I was in fifth grade when I received my first improvising lesson
from the hymnal.
The hymn I improvised was At Calvary. It took me at least two
months to learn the improvised style in a flowing rhythm.
Here are the first two improvising steps I learned to create a
fuller sound in hymnplaying.
First, open a hymnal to the hymn: "Like a River Glorious".
I chose this hymn because it is in an easy key and contains
a simple rhythm.
Let me preface the lesson with the following clarification:
The hymnal is written for voice parts only...not for an
instrument. Therefore, the pianist must adapt by improvising.
The saprano is the top note on the treble staff; while the
alto is under the saprano note.
The tenor note is the top note on the bass staff and the
bass note is under the tenor.
Step#1: Add the tenor note to the right hand when feasible.
(right thumb plays this note.)
You should be playing a total of three notes for the right hand.
(tenor, alto and saprano)
Exception: Sometimes the tenor note fits better between the
alto and the saprano note. This usually occurs when the alto
and saprano have a greater distance between them; allowing
room for the tenor note to fit between them.
It is best to practice the right hand alone (with added tenor note)
until a steady flow is maintained.
Expect to feel disoriented at first; having to add the tenor note to
the right hand without it written that way.
Step#2: Double the bass note for the left hand. (left thumb is placed
on the written bass note and duplicated an octave below the pinky).
Doubling the bass note is basically playing in octaves. This second
step really adds a deep, rich sound to the hymn.
Be prepared to slow down when adding the left hand to the right hand.
The following two step improvising lesson can be described as playing
in five-part style: three notes in the right hand and two in the left hand.
Keep in mind, it took me two months to play one hymn with this two
step improvising lesson. (At Calvary wasn't the easiest hymn to start
with; due to a busy rhythm).
Once you play one hymn this way, you can apply the same two step
process to other hymns.
Choose hymns in easy keys with simple rhythms at first.
Once you've gained confidence, you can move on to hymns in harder keys
with more complex rhythms.
This two step improvising method will allow a pianist to sound full
enough to support congregational singing.
Over time, more improvising skills can be obtained; adding life and fullness
to hymnplaying.
Part two will contain a video demonstration of this two step improvising
piano lesson along with a free pdf arrangement of Like a River Glorious in
five-part style.
Part two can be found at the following link:
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