Diverse, I see you are not a strong believer in theory even though you know it. I just graduated with a music degree from college three months ago, and you know what? You are right, we did theory and we did ear training, but it was ALL from the angle of Classical music. You know why? The college professors say things like gospel music is not real music because it is just improv. But you know what else? They have the luxury of thinking like this and teaching like this because the people that are best at gospel music, take no pride or concern about the music as a whole. They take what they can for themselves and let others get in where they can. Classical music is about prepetuation of an musical art form. Gospel music right now is about survival of the fittest. Sure, I can play, but what about when I am gone? What about those that come after me? What about those that are coming up with me? If we call ourselves musicians, then we should take the time and effort to master ALL areas of musicianship. That includes the ear,(perceiving) the hands,(practicing) and the theory(knowing and understanding). I sat in theory classes frustrated that they would not discuss theoretical concepts as they refer to gospel music(or any other kind of music for that matter) and it never happened. Probably never will as long as The best musicians in gospel want to keep the best kept secret to themselves. You can go anywhere and learn classical, because teachers everywhere learned its theory and it performance practices. Well people are fighting for gospel teachers because no one has set the standard, and pretty much refuse to because a lot of them can't explain it themselves. College Academia laughs at our type of music and frankly it is sad to see us turn a deaf ear towards such abuse. Jazz IS taught in colleges and has theory, and guess what? They are praised for their creative outputs of music. They are creative because they learned how to be. Gospel is no different, and it has a theory and it is even more creative than Jazz!!! Since no one else is taking the burden upon themselves to better all gospel musicians, and not just themselves, then I am doing by writing a book on gospel music theory. I started it about 6 months ago. It is not yet finished, because it is a big subject, and since I am pretty much doing it by myself. Theory is about making music history come alive. Aside from that, it really does make you a better player. When I get a chance to post a clip, I will do so, because I think hearing me play will allow you to understand I am not just a beginner out here just talking about theory, I play it. It works and I want all others to have the benefit of sound instruction at their disposal to be as creative as they want.