April “Keyslady” Roy, born in Tyler, TX, was born into a musical family of gospel musicians and singers. She started taking classical piano lessons at the age of 5 after her mother and aunt took notice of her amusement for the piano. In 1987, April’s aunt, who also plays piano, and mother formed a children’s choir at her home church in Tyler where April began singing and accompanying her aunt on the organ with the children’s choir. By the time April was 12 years old, her site reading skills were strengthened due to playing in numerous piano recitals and was also a member of the Jazz Ensemble at her junior high school where she played the keyboard. April continued playing the organ for the Children’s choir and was later given the sole responsibility of playing for another newly formed choir of teenagers at her church.
In 1995, April became a member the Tyler Area Chapter Youth choir which was the local chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America in her hometown of Tyler, TX. She participated in various local music workshops and church musicals that help her to develop into a stronger singer, musician, and director. These skills were continuously sharpened when April became a freshman in high school once she stepped into the role as lead musician and director of an entire music department consisting of five band members and several choirs ranging from small children to adults.
It was at this stage in her musical path that April was heavily exposed to more Hymns and Traditional Gospel music with the addition of Contemporary Gospel, Praise and Worship music, and even Quartet Gospel music. April has continued working in the capacity of pianist/organist and choir director well beyond her high school and post college years. In 2003, April relocated to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and as served as lead musician at several churches. Since 2012, she’s currently serving in the capacity of Minister of Music for the Ebenezer Memorial Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, TX where she plays the piano and organ while utilizing her experience as lead singer, voice teacher, and musical director. She is also very instrumental in the music department in areas such as proposing ideas that will set the atmosphere for powerful worship experience through music. In 2014, April began extending her gifts and talents to her employer, CHRISTUS Health, where she also served as musician, voice teacher, and director for the Glee Club until 2018.
In addition to music, April also has a strong foundation in the healthcare, insurance, and project management. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with concentration in Healthcare Management in 2007 from Saint Leo University of Florida. In 2017, she earned her MBA in Project Management from Amberton University in Garland, TX. Today, she works diligently to merge her musical background and project management skills within the ministry of music.