The Church Pianist: There's Within My Heart a Melody

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

How many of you know the song: There's Within
My Heart a Melody?

This joyful, peppy hymn was birthed from a very
tragic accident.

The author....Luther Bridges. Luther was known
for his energetic and sincere preaching.

At the age of 26 in 1910...Luther lost his wife and three
young children to a housefire while visiting his in-laws.

Luther felt overwhelmed with sorrow but remembered
the Lord's promise that the Lord would never leave him
or forsake him.

Burdened with sorrow, Luther was still able to penn these
words:

"There's within my heart a melody,
Jesus whispers sweet and low.
Fear not, I am with thee, peace be still.
In all of life's ebb and flow."

This hymn story as well as many others can be found in a
special book that I've had for years. I'll share the author
of the hymn histories book and where to find it in my next
article.

The Church Pianist:Youtube Pedal Tip (Lesson One)

Does your piano playing ever sound choppy or cloudy and
you just can't figure out why?

Here's a short youtube video clip...introducing a pedal tip to help
revolutionize the sound of your playing!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvsf6Wt1RfA

Lesson two of this article will include a demonstration of this
pedal tip. Click here to see part two:

http://thechurchpianist.com/?cat=39

What is the Role of the Church Pianist? Part One

Good question! The role of the church pianist varies from church
to church.

Before I share some thoughts with you...I'll explain our church...
so that you can understand where I'm coming from.

Our church is in the country nestled in the foothills of North Carolina.

The people are very friendly and family-oriented.

Most of the members have lived in the area most of their life.

What I'm trying to say is...the needs of the church determines the
criteria for the church pianist.

In some churches, the church pianist may be the only music person
available. In this case, the pianist may have to lead the congregation
and choir in song while playing the piano. What a challenge!
I know of at least one of my readers in this situation. I admire her
for her efforts.

At other churches, the pianist may serve the as role as pianist only.
(That's my role).

Whether you're the main person or just filling the role as church
pianist...the following tips will hopefully encourage and direct you
as you serve in the music ministry.

These are things that have personally helped me in my way of
thinking towards serving the music ministry.

1. I'm a servant...serving the Lord

2. Not to think of myself above others; no comparision
Each church member is of equal importance to God.

3. Love my church family

The following are natural outcomes of point #3...

4. Support and encourage those in the music ministry.
Example: "Your song was a blessing" or "Thanks for being
willing to sing or play."

5. Pray for those in the music ministry

6. Always communicate in love

7. Use constructive guidance as needed
(This can occur only after building a trusting relationship.)

This applies if the person or persons you're accompanying
are seeking helpful pointers.

Please understand...these are just a few ideas that have helped
to create a proper mindset in me as church pianist.

Each church is unique as far as their needs. Just ask God for
wisdom as you seek to serve Him where He has placed you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Some of the following issues will be covered in part two:

*The relationship between the song leader and church pianist
(Who's in charge?)

*Job description of the church pianist (What's expected of me?)

*Developing the Special Music Program
(How the church pianist can help grow the special music program)

I can't wait to share these ideas with you in detail.

After reading this article, you may come up with your own ideas of
ways to become more effective as church pianist.

Above all else, may God receive the glory of our efforts as we seek
to serve Him in the role of church pianist.

Part Two of this article can be found at: http://thechurchpianist.com/?p=407

The Church Pianist: Accompaniment Ideas for Only a Sinner

New website located at: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Most of the chorus of Only a Sinner is the C chord..

well...that is....if you're in the key of C to start with :)

I'll share some accompaniment ideas for the chorus

of this lively hymn.

Editor notes for Only a Sinner

(excerpt from chorus only)

Measure one: (see beats two through four)

The following accompaniment idea works well when...

Soprano and alto parts are written in consecutive thirds

for a while during a monotone bass line (repeated bass notes).

Simply transfer the alto to the left hand in octave format and

delete the alto from the right hand for a more balanced harmony.

This produces a more open tone like I've discussed in previous

articles.

Measure two:

Couldn't help it...had to throw in a chord substitute! Can you guess

which one? It's the vi chord (a minor) in place of the C chord on

beat one.

Hmm...on beat four...can you see what's taking place? It's similar to

measure one's scenario. I added a fill in using consecutive thirds...

split between the hands...doubled up. Make sense?

Measure four:

My favorite part! I love to add runs but haven't shared many with

you because I have trouble deciphering my rhythm and trying to

get Finale to accept it:)

*Note the fingering in the right hand run for ease of movement.

Well...got to get ready for prayer meeting. I pray you all have

a wonderful service tonight.

Sincerely,

Jenifer

The Church Pianist: New Website

I'm excited to announce my new website!

Initially, the site will be set up as a blog.

On the new website, the music images will eventually
be set up in PDF format instead of PNG.

New articles will still appear here as well as the new
site until I get settled in.

Over the last few years, many have requested that
I offer arrangements for sale.

In time, I plan to offer some of the following for sale
on the new website:

Piano solos

Piano duets

Piano duos

Vocal arrangements

CD's


Feel free to visit the new website. Just remember, it's still
under construction:)


http://thechurchpianist.com/

The Church Pianist: Free Audio Sample of My Saviour First of All

New website located at: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Talk about a quickie! I just had to share something
with you all before going to bed.

How many of you know the song: "My Saviour First
of All"?

Here's an audio of the verse...using strictly accompaniment
style for say.... a vocal solo.

You will hear a hint of melody sprinkled here and there.

This hymn has alot of busy words and therefore requires less
movement on the piano part; allowing the vocalist more freedom
of interpretation. (Using more ebb and flow for a conversational
effect).

http://www.box.net/shared/zo5btl552d

Hope everyone had a nice Sunday.

The Church Pianist: Nothing but the Blood (Free Accompaniment Ideas)

New website located at: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I just played this song for the congregation yesterday.

Nothing but the blood of Jesus has a wonderful

message and I try to bring the text to life by

improvising with a lively accompaniment.

Do you realize that this hymn uses only two chords?

The I and V....meaning....G and D chord.

If the congregation sings parts...I have to use the

written chords to agree with the voice parts.

Editor notes for "Nothing but the Blood"

Verse One:

Right hand: Plays three to four notes for fullness

Left hand: Uses stepping down octaves for a march-like tone

Verse Two:

Right hand: Adds an eighth note rhythm for livelier sound

Left hand: Consists of alternating bass note movement

to avoid a montone effect.

Verse Four:

Right hand: Adds a little change; especially in the last measure

Left hand: Same pattern as verse one but in eighth note pattern.

Try applying these same accompaniment ideas

to the hymn: A Shelter in the Time of Storm

The Church Pianist: Printing Troubles?

New website located at: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Having trouble printing the music images?

Most likely your browser is not set to print the images

by default.

Try this:

Right click the image (can only print one page at at time)

Click "Save as target"

Save the image file to your computer where you can find it.

Open up with your default or favorite image viewer.

Or....use "Windows Explorer" to locate the music image
you saved. Double-click the file and it will open so you
can print it.

Hope this helps those of you having printing troubles.

PDF images are more user friendly but this free blog site
does not support them. I have to convert all my pdf
images to jpg in order for them to be posted.

Please feel free to leave comments or questions.

Sincerely,

Jenifer