I think an important thing worth stressing is that arranger button pushing alone can never REPLACE the 'heart & soul' of arranger keyboard performance: our skill & artistic expression as a 'live' player. We ALL need to remember to dedicate suficient time to improving our keyboard playing skills. With this as a foundation, we are then FREE to open up & express ourselves musically.

In addition to scales, arpeggios, & chords, this includes mastering synth specific techniques: utilizing pitch/mod wheel, aftertouch & other kb controlers to emulate the unique sound(s) of different acoustic instruments, understanding & playing within the normal pitch range of a given acoustic instrument, and understanding how 'certain harmonys' work with different instrument families (orchestration). I strongly recommend that everyone (if you can find the time) enroll in a music theory, music harmony (orchestration), music ear training, or synth-piano class at your local community college. I guarantee it will be time well spent and increase your musical knowledge to take your arranger keyboard playing to yet a higher level. - Scott