Thanx 4 starting the thread MemphisKeys.
I assume here U mean great GOSPEL pianists/ keys players...?
I sum all the things that a musician needs to know into 3 categories:
1) Know your theory.
---No matter how long it takes U 2 learn it, but at the end U must know it.
2) Know how to play in all keys.
---No matter how long it takes U 2 do so, so long as U know that that's your ultimate goal.
3) Enjoy what you are doing.
---Perhaps this is what's taken for granted by many intermediate & advanced players.
Discussion:
i) Theory is very very broad.
--There is the classics theory. (entails largely reading scored music & much more of course..technique counts big..)
--There is jazz theory.. (includes focusing on chord voicings, improvisation, modes etc)
--Gospel. .(gospel is very broad as well because before U can claim to be a good gospel keys player, U need to know the jazz theory on what I've listed above, to some extent you need the classical background as well..(some churches won't take you unless if U can read..eg..Baptist)
--I believe that U need to know your blues well to incorporate those filler runs in.
--salsa is another style to add.
If U find that U have mastered all this, then the next best thing to do is actually consider teaching/ helping others with the knowledge U have if U are not already.
You will find that this will make U discover new stuff & will rekindle the fire in U.
Who knows, U might end up compiling your own music book(s) / producing.
