The Church Pianist: Moderated Comments

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

For those of you wanting to ask questions without
going public....

I do moderate my comments and will keep it private
if it's a question you'd rather not have publicized.

Please make it clear in your comment to avoid any
misunderstanding.

So far, comments have been helpful to post for others
to see.

Thanks for all your comments/suggestions! They have
helped me create articles for this blog that have benefited
others.

The Church Pianist: He Lives (fermatas)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The hymn "He Lives" has several
fermatas at the end that can be awkward
for the church pianist.

Here's an example of what I play at the end of
"He Lives" for congregational singing.

The secret to a well-felt fermata is for the church
pianist to keep the music (tempo) moving while
the singer(s) hold the note.

If the pianist stops on the fermata note, it will
disrupt the flow of the music and cause
confusion on when to start up after the held
note.

Listen to the following excerpt of today's
free music sample of "He Lives".


http://www.box.net/shared/32mvekl4il

The Church Pianist: Helping the Vocalist/s

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The church pianist can play an important role
in encouraging the vocalist/s that provide
special music for the church service.

This is especially true for the beginner vocalist
or a young child that needs the extra guidance.

The following, is a list of things I do to put the
vocalist at ease.

These tips are merely suggestions for anyone
needing some ideas.

*Have the vocalist leave his music on top shelf
underneath the pulpit (book opened) before the
service begins. This procedure ensures the music
is ready and in place. (As long as the pastor knows
you're doing this, so he won't move it) :)

During (shake hands) time or some other transistional
time before the message....the vocalist or vocal group sits
on the front row to allow for a shorter entrance to the
stage. (timesaver)

*The pianist begins playing the introduction as the
vocalist walks to the pulpit to avoid an awkward
moment of silence for the vocalist. The early piano
introduction also produces a smoother transistion
into the special music time....keeps things moving!

(I always play softly as vocalist/s enters the stage
and increase my volume toward end of intro so that
the vocalist knows I'm nearing the end of the intro-
duction.

*Special notes: (For ensembles)

If I'm playing for an ensemble...say....six or more people...
I play softly at the end while they exit the stage; covering
an awkward moment of silence while pastor waits for the
stage to clear.

Also, the ensemble will share a notebook of music per 2 people.
They carry their notebooks up with them to sing.
(Easier in this case than having everyone try to retrieve their
music from under the pulpit.) :)

Once again, these are only suggestions that may benefit some
church pianists depending on their situation.

As a church pianist, I'm always looking for ways to encourage our
vocalists who provide our special music. The Lord has blessed our
church with so many willing vocalists!

The Church Pianist: Jesus is Coming Again (free sample)

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The hymn, "Jesus is Coming Again" is a beautiful

hymn.



This hymn comes to life when sung in 6/8 time;
although it's written in 6/4.



6/8 time is a faster tempo. I will post an audio below...
showing the contrast between 6/4 and 6/8 time.



I've only included the first phrase of the song....giving
you an idea of a pattern to use for a fuller sound.


The more full your accompaniment....the better support
for the singers.

Editor's notes for today's free sample of

"Jesus is Coming Again"

Measure one:



The word "Marvelous" is naturally stressed in this first sentence requiring the pianist
to accent this word. The staccato notes following the accent is an excellent stress
reliever for the hand as I've mentioned in previous articles.



Overall tips:



The right hand needs to breeze freely through the busy octaves; stressing only the important words. Otherwise, your right hand will get bogged down in the mud; preventing ease of movement.



Explanation of today's audio clip:



First example will be in 6/4 time



(slight pause) and then....



Second example will be in 6/8





http://www.box.net/shared/0fg3acopfc

The Church Pianist: Part Two (Free Piano Arrangement for Congregational Singing)

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

This is part two of yesterday's free piano arrangement

of "Are You Washed in the Blood".

Because I left out the first two words of the chorus on page

one...I'm including both pages with the added words in this

article.

Editor's notes for today's free arrangement:

Measure 11 and 12

More dotted rhythm for a peppy tone

Measure 13

I would use this bold octave movement for the final verse.

Click on the following link to hear an audio of today's free

arrangement.

http://www.box.net/shared/7amvlq0bj1

The Church Pianist: Free Piano Arrangment for Congregational Singing: Part One

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/



Here's part one of a free piano
arrangement for congregational
singing of "Are You Washed
in the Blood?"




The piano arrangment supports
the four parts as written in the
hymnal.


I chose to display just the melody
for time's sake.


Editor's notes for today's free arrangment:


Measure two:


Left hand plays alternating bass octaves for a
more interesting bass line.


Measure four: (4th beat)


For harmonic balance, notice how I left out
note: G in first right hand eighth chord
and note: F in second right hand eighth chord.


Why? I used them in my left hand instead.


Omitting those notes in the right hand
gives a more opentone.


Try adding the omitted notes to the right
hand with left hand included, to hear the difference.


Measure five:


Left hand plays stepping octaves starting out with
a dotted rhythm which adds more life!


Measure 6:


Once again, I add dotted rhythm to left hand for
extra spice. (to be used sparingly for proper balance)


General notes:


Take note of the staccato markings throughout. It's
meant as a light staccato for interpretation.

I lift the damper pedal for every staccato note which
relieves hand tension and adds a more peppy sound
to the music.

See audio for full arrangment on next article.

The Church Pianist: Free Easter Piano Offertory (My Saviour's Love)

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Every church pianist could use a free offertory

for Easter.

Here's one I arranged several years ago and handed

out in a hymnprovising workshop.

I've tweaked it a bit since then... so here's the updated

version.

Click on the link below to hear/see a video of the

arrangement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78AB0UWBVaM&feature=channel_page

This free offertory is my Easter gift to you!

The Church Pianist: Free Invitation Piano Solo

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

This free invitation piano solo
will hopefully reflect the message
of this hymn.

I enjoy playing this hymn for invitation.
It speaks of total submission to God....
a good reminder to me every time
I play it.

Some church pianists may play softly
for background music during the invitation
to create a prayerful, reflective mood.

If so, it's nice to be able to play different chords
other than what's written.

Sometimes the most simple arrangement is most effective
during this time....so as not to distract from the message
of the song during a quiet, soul-searching time.

I will share a sound clip of this free arrangement to give you
an idea of the conversational tempo and expression.

http://www.box.net/shared/rjac9p6nrt

The Church Pianist: Improvising Ideas for chorus of "To God be the Glory"

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The chorus of "To God be the Glory" is rather

plain in the hymnal because it uses only the
I and V chord.



The following improvising ideas will help dress-up
a rather mundane bass line.



Editor's notes for today's music example:



Measure #1



I usually rest during these words... but wrote
a note in the first measure for congregations
who depend on the piano to help them enter a chorus.



Measure #2



Right hand plays an echo instead of sitting still for two beats.



Measure #2 and 3



Left hand plays an alternating bass for the A flat chord
For example: the chord for measures 2 and 3 is A flat.
I simply use the 5th note of the A flat chord (which is E flat)..
as my alternating bass note for variety.


Measure #4



A grace note in the right hand adds extra life to the song.



Measure #8



The right hand can play a repeated E flat octave which works
well since the chord in that measure is E flat.
The left hand fills in with stepping octaves, giving extra
movement for added zest!



The chorus of "To God be the Glory" can be livened up by
a few improvisational ideas like this to make the song
more meaningful.



Try playing this example and notice how the hand feels even
more free, not having to be a slave to the melody.

The Church Pianist: Piano Accompaniment for Christ Arose: Part Two

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Here is the rest of the piano
accompaniment for the chorus
to: "Christ Arose".

Editor notes for today's example:

Measure #8

The right hand begins breaking up
the beat with eighth notes due to the
slight rit.

Measure #9 and 10

Right hand triplets for the militant tone

Measure #10

Left hand plays alternating bass octaves
for the chord: E flat

Measure #11

Full chords on the end for a grand finale sound


"Christ Arose" is a beautiful hymn and should sound
triumphant!

I hope the piano accompaniment ideas for
this hymn will help you as you prepare for Easter.

The Church Pianist: Part One of Congregational Accompaniment for Christ Arose

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Easter is just a little over a month away!




Here are some improvising ideas to use when
accompanying congregation on the chorus of
"Christ Arose".



"Christ Arose" uses very basic chords. The
church pianist needs to dress up this song to
enhance the message.


Editor's notes for today's music image:


Measure #2


Right triplets on second beat adds a militant tone.


Measures #1 and 2


Left hand plays stepping down octaves for march-style


Measure #5


Right hand plays dotted rhythm on second beat to create
a victorious sound.


Remember it's not necessary for the pianist to play
every word when accompanying.



I'll share the rest of the congregational accompaniment
for "Christ Arose" (chorus only) in the next article.

The Church Pianist: Part Two of Free Vocal Arrangement

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

This is the chorus to yesterday's free vocal
arrangment.

Editor's notes:

Measure #11

Rolled chord on beat one of LH to produce
a 'sweet' sound for the text.

Measure #12

Broader feel to this measure as I picture
a ray of light spreading over me.
(look at the words to understand this).

Measure #14

The LH sixteenths keep the rhythm alive
while supporting the held note of the singer.

Measure #15

Once again, a few sit still chords in the RH
to allow the singer freedom to slow down
as he feels led.

Here's an audio sample for today's sample:

Special note:

Ignore the few notes at the beginning.
They were done to synchronize the two track
recording.

http://www.box.net/shared/c4tram6lrg

The Church Pianist: Free Vocal Arrangement (Part One: Interpretation)

My new website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Today's free vocal arrangement may give the
church pianist accompaniment ideas
for the hymn "The Light of the World is Jesus".

I enjoy bringing the old hymns to life by adding
improvisational ideas that enhance the text.

Editor notes for today's music image:

*First sentence: simple chording works well
for hymns with busy words.

This frees up the singer to sing with more ebb
and flow through busy sections.

* The main emphasis is...focus on the message
and follow the singer.

*Sixteenth note passages were sprinkled here
and there to brighten the tone for appropriate
words.


I'll share an audio of the full arrangement in the
next article.