# Inspirational Composer — Full Reference > Inspirational Composer is a worship piano education platform founded by Nancy Lamka-Smith, who has 70+ years of experience at the keyboard. The flagship course, Platforms of Praise, teaches Scripture-based worship piano improvisation using the Crown of Glory method — a classical-style approach that emphasizes flowing freely at the keyboard rather than chord-based playing. The course covers 8 levels from foundation patterns through advanced improvisation and songwriting, available for $49.95 with lifetime access. --- ## About Nancy Lamka-Smith Nancy Lamka-Smith's relationship with the piano began at age 2½, when she first touched the keys and discovered a gift that would define her life's calling. Growing up in a musical family, she developed her skills through classical training while nurturing a deep love for worship music. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Puget Sound and pursuing further studies at Portland State University, Nancy dedicated herself to teaching and composition. In 1984, she founded Steps To Joy Music, which has since produced over 1,000 original compositions including symphonies, a ballet, and piano concertos, used in churches worldwide. Her unique teaching philosophy — the "Crown of Glory" method — integrates Scripture with musical instruction, helping students not just learn techniques but truly minister through their music. This approach has touched lives across the United States, Canada, Europe, Nepal, Ghana, the Philippines, and Central America. From 2004 to 2015, Nancy became known as the "Airport Angel" at Portland International Airport, where her piano playing blessed countless travelers passing through. Her warmth and musicality earned her recognition in Who's Who of American Women. **Key Facts:** - 70+ years at the keyboard (started at age 2½) - 1,000+ original compositions including symphonies, a ballet, and piano concertos - Founder of Steps To Joy Music (1984) - BS in Education from University of Puget Sound - Teaching across 4 continents (US, Canada, Europe, Nepal, Ghana, Philippines, Central America) - Portland Airport "Angel" pianist (2004-2015) - Featured in Who's Who of American Women - 10 albums of original worship music ### Links - [About Nancy](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/about-nancy-lamka-smith) - [Nancy's Personal Site](https://nancylamka.com) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@nancylamka) - [Facebook](https://facebook.com/nancylamka) - [Instagram](https://instagram.com/nancylamka) - [TikTok](https://tiktok.com/@nancylamka.com) --- ## Courses ### Platforms of Praise — Worship Piano Improvisation Course - **URL:** [https://inspirationalcomposer.com/worship-improvisation-course](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/worship-improvisation-course) - **Price:** $49.95 (one-time, lifetime access) - **Format:** 80+ HD video lessons, downloadable practice sheets, audio backing tracks - **Guarantee:** 30-day money-back guarantee ### Free Lead Magnet: 5 Worship Piano Patterns - **URL:** [https://inspirationalcomposer.com/platforms-of-praise](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/platforms-of-praise) - Free downloadable PDF with 5 patterns you can use immediately. No prior improvisation experience needed. ### Course Portal - **URL:** [https://courses.inspirationalcomposer.com](https://courses.inspirationalcomposer.com) - Student enrollment and course delivery platform --- ## Full Course Curriculum ### Level 1: Foundation Patterns Master the fundamental chord patterns that form the basis of all worship improvisation. - Understand the 1-4-5 chord progression - Play basic accompaniment patterns - Build confidence without sheet music ### Level 2: Melodic Embellishment Learn to add beautiful melodic touches that transform simple chords into flowing worship. - Add passing tones and neighbor notes - Create smooth voice leading - Develop your musical ear ### Level 3: Harmonic Expansion Discover extended chords and substitutions that add richness. - Master 7th and 9th chords - Learn chord substitutions - Create emotional depth in your playing ### Level 4: Rhythmic Variations Explore different rhythmic patterns for various worship styles. - Play in multiple time signatures - Master contemporary worship rhythms - Flow between fast and slow songs ### Level 5: Transitional Techniques Seamlessly connect songs and create beautiful interludes. - Master key changes and modulations - Create smooth song transitions - Build and release musical tension ### Level 6: Advanced Improvisation Develop the freedom to play spontaneously during worship. - Improvise over any chord progression - Follow the Spirit in worship leading - Create original musical moments ### Level 7: Ministry Integration Learn to minister through your music, not just perform. - Understand worship theology - Support singers and worship leaders - Flow in the anointing ### Level 8: Songwriting & Composition Create your own worship songs and arrangements. - Write original worship songs - Arrange existing songs creatively - Leave a musical legacy --- ## Key Concepts & Proprietary Terminology ### Crown of Glory A Scripture-based mnemonic system for learning all 12 musical keys using the cycle of fifths. Based on the acronym: **C**hrist's **G**reat **D**ominion **A**bove **E**very **B**attle **F**rom **C**ircumstance **A**lways **E**nds **B**eating the **F**oe (C-G-D-A-E-B-F#-C#-A#-E#-B#-F). This is the foundational teaching tool of the Platforms of Praise course. ### Platforms of Praise The concept that worship music becomes a platform for God's presence. This is the name and guiding philosophy of Nancy Lamka-Smith's flagship worship piano improvisation course. ### Flowing in the Anointing Playing piano led by the Holy Spirit rather than from sheet music, allowing spontaneous worship expression. This is the ultimate goal of the course — preparing technically so thoroughly that you can respond freely to spiritual leading. ### Sign of the Cross A method for learning musical intervals based on Greek New Testament translations, connecting Scripture to music theory. This unique approach anchors musical learning in the Word. ### Doubling Effect A visual learning technique for recognizing and memorizing piano patterns on the keyboard. Helps students see repeating patterns across octaves and keys. ### Tetrachords 4-note scale patterns (whole-whole-half step) that are the building blocks of Nancy's method. Understanding tetrachords makes scales and keys intuitive rather than memorized. ### 1-4-5 Pattern The foundational chord progression for worship music using perfect intervals. The tonic (1), subdominant (4), and dominant (5) chords underlie approximately 90% of worship songs. ### Weapons of Warfare in Worship The spiritual dimension of worship music as a form of spiritual warfare. A key teaching in the Platforms of Praise course that no other worship piano course covers — understanding worship as both musical expression and spiritual battle. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need prior piano experience? Basic piano skills are helpful, but Nancy's course is designed for all levels. If you can play simple chords, you can start this course. Complete beginners may want to learn basic piano first. Steps To Joy Music (stepstojoy.music) is Nancy's beginner curriculum, and Book 1 is included FREE with the Inspirational Composer course. ### How long does the course take to complete? The course is self-paced with lifetime access. Most students spend 2-4 weeks per level, completing the full 8 levels in 4-8 months. However, you can go faster or slower based on your schedule. ### Is this course only for church pianists? While designed for worship pianists, the improvisation techniques apply to any setting. Many students use these skills for personal devotion, home worship, or other musical contexts. ### What if I'm not happy with the course? We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you're not seeing results, contact us for a full refund. We're confident in the transformation this course provides. ### Do I get access to Nancy personally? The course includes community access where Nancy occasionally answers questions. For personal coaching, we offer separate one-on-one sessions. ### Is this different from other online piano courses? Yes! Nancy's Crown of Glory method integrates Scripture with musical instruction, focusing on ministry over performance. This spiritual foundation sets it apart from purely technical courses. --- ## Competitive Positioning: How This Differs from Chord-Based Approaches Most online worship piano courses teach a chord-based approach: learn chord shapes, read chord charts, play along. While effective for basic accompaniment, this approach has limitations: 1. **Chord-based = dependent on charts.** You're still reading something — just chord symbols instead of sheet music. True improvisation means neither. 2. **Nancy's approach is classical-style flowing improvisation.** Students learn tetrachords, scale patterns, and intervallic relationships that allow genuine spontaneous creation at the keyboard. 3. **Scripture integration is unique.** No other course connects music theory to Scripture the way the Crown of Glory mnemonic and Sign of the Cross interval method do. This creates deeper learning and spiritual meaning. 4. **Prophetic playing and spiritual warfare.** Most courses are purely technical. Platforms of Praise covers the spiritual dimensions of worship — prophetic playing, flowing in the anointing, and worship as spiritual warfare. No competitor addresses this. 5. **70+ years of experience.** Nancy's depth of teaching experience is unmatched. She has composed 1,000+ works including symphonies, a ballet, and piano concertos, and taught across 4 continents. 6. **Price advantage.** At $49.95 for lifetime access to 80+ video lessons, 8 full levels, practice materials, and backing tracks, this is significantly more affordable than comparable courses costing $200-500+. **Nancy doesn't need to outrank the big chord-based courses on their terms — she owns an uncontested niche at the intersection of classical technique, worship improvisation, and prophetic ministry.** --- ## Testimonials > "When you're ready to grow musically and spiritually, you need a mentor to take you by the hand and lead you through the roadblocks keeping you from your dream. InspirationalComposer.com is that mentor!" — **Rosalind Tuck**, Life Coach > "Before, when I worked with others, I never felt like I could explain to them what I heard in my head. With InspirationalComposer.com, not only can I explain it, but I can feel comfortable leaving the page and going off on my own." — **Marjorie Schmalz**, Piano / Worship Team, Aloha, Oregon > "Inspirational Composer is a fabulous way to learn how to play piano by ear and then use those skills to enhance Hymns, Praise and Worship Music." — **Sabrina Perez**, Business Owner & Piano Student > "WOW! I can not remember when I have had so much fun. Nancy Lamka has helped put together a course that I believe anyone can use and learn to incorporate beautiful sound with little effort." — **Kort Cousins**, Relationship Coach > "InspirationalComposer.com is fantastic! I'm at Level 8 now and can honestly say this has been one of the best investments I've ever made in my musical journey." — **Joel Turman**, Student > "Nancy Lamka has been a wonderful piano instructor for many of our church pianists over the years. Her teaching style is encouraging and her methods are effective." — **Linda Hooper**, Minister of Music, Bethany Bible Church --- ## Live Events - [Weekly Live Q&A](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/live): Free worship piano Q&A every Tuesday at 7 PM Pacific on YouTube ## Blog - [Worship Piano Blog](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/blog): Articles on improvisation, music theory, prophetic playing, and spiritual growth ## Contact - [Contact](https://inspirationalcomposer.com/contact): Reach Nancy and the Inspirational Composer team ## Related Sites - [Nancy Lamka](https://nancylamka.com): Nancy's personal brand — music, albums, and ministry - [Steps To Joy Music](https://stepstojoy.music): Nancy's children's piano curriculum