tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78153086721694792052024-03-05T11:39:47.369-08:00The Church PianistA help ministry for church pianists all over the world!Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-6162752487470138292014-09-16T04:21:00.001-07:002014-09-16T04:21:24.759-07:00Be Inspired By a Small Hand Pianist!<h2>
Pianist with Small Hands: Inspiring Article & Video!</h2>
<h3>
Even though I’m not a small handed pianist…I sometimes
experience the feeling of having small hands due to challenging passages
in music. While in high school I would always roll a 10th in the left
hand. However…after playing a 10th with a gentle “rolled” movement over
time….I found that I had stretched my left hand span and soon began
playing solid 10ths!</h3>
<h3>
While researching pianists with small hands, I came across the following inspiring article and video!</h3>
<h3>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/c4rxxZdtMC4" width="560"></iframe></h3>
<h3>
</h3>
Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-57115512590983163902012-04-14T05:54:00.001-07:002012-04-14T05:57:07.680-07:00Free Piano Offertory: The Old Rugged Cross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYZo3m-V69LF-Ip2EKBybLnqc8BJrLM44ZYXPDXbMVpknlT2zsqh8XqDQHbteJsm8YWVZPkGVqTQNjKZy_h9B_pNKDEnoEHcV01PjjMIvfPqWXp51BNxr6AGjNesy2ygrpmQNQ6B7alwc/s1600/cross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYZo3m-V69LF-Ip2EKBybLnqc8BJrLM44ZYXPDXbMVpknlT2zsqh8XqDQHbteJsm8YWVZPkGVqTQNjKZy_h9B_pNKDEnoEHcV01PjjMIvfPqWXp51BNxr6AGjNesy2ygrpmQNQ6B7alwc/s200/cross.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> For years, I have tried coming up with my own arrangement<br />
of "The Old Rugged Cross" but nothing ever came of it.<br />
<br />
Recently, I lost a piano student/friend to a tragic accident.<br />
Through the healing time...God has given me an arrangement<br />
that I hope will be a blessing to you.<br />
<br />
For this free arrangement of "The Old Rugged Cross"....<br />
click on the following link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/resources-for-pianist/free-music/free-piano-arrangement-of-the-old-rugged-cross/">"The Old Rugged Cross"...free piano arrangement</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-37493784092552874602011-12-20T13:24:00.000-08:002011-12-20T13:42:13.607-08:00Christmas Program Re-Cap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHlNCXj-WvhUxZpT48Q6xRDS78KhTpBgrImTKfAItB8iyXm3oq-1lrjGofnTDYjc_-mAz93K60kCt7bQTdChzzvRTMPzhWFOasx_ZgYoBv67frvcZpVlA3UGmhHcNAuq-FzAWUDqQDpkO/s1600/Christmas+at+Home+2011+choir+and+all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCHlNCXj-WvhUxZpT48Q6xRDS78KhTpBgrImTKfAItB8iyXm3oq-1lrjGofnTDYjc_-mAz93K60kCt7bQTdChzzvRTMPzhWFOasx_ZgYoBv67frvcZpVlA3UGmhHcNAuq-FzAWUDqQDpkO/s320/Christmas+at+Home+2011+choir+and+all.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We had our Christmas cantata this past Sunday night.<br />
The Lord helped us all present the important message<br />
of salvation through song and drama. We performed<br />
<a href="http://www.majestymusic.com/p-384-christmas-at-home-choral-book-spiral-edition.aspx"><u>"Christmas at Home" by Ron and Shelley Hamilton.</u></a><br />
<br />
Now, it's time to take notes for improvement or to record<br />
things we'd like for future programs.<br />
<br />
Here are several things to remember when making that list:<br />
<br />
*Start practicing early enough in the year to compensate <br />
for missed practices due to revivals or other special meetings<br />
that require extra preparedness for the choir.<br />
<br />
*Did everyone have their cues in order for things to run smoothly?<br />
(Sound crew needs a script to turn mics on and off at the right time)<br />
<br />
*Have Pastor make necessary announcements the evening of the<br />
program to ensure a smooth and peaceful night in the congregation.<br />
(Example: nursery provided for young ones, no flash photography, etc.)<br />
<br />
*Video camera should be in a place ABOVE the congregation to avoid<br />
catching glimpses of people leaving or coming during program which<br />
can block view of performance. Our whole purpose for videoing is<br />
to capture memories and to eventually show the choir sometime in<br />
the near future. Seeing their performance will excite them...<br />
as they get a chance to see and truly experience the program as a<br />
whole. The video also gives us something to view after the fact<br />
to see how to improve. We all need to strive to do our very best to<br />
communicate God's message of salvation.<br />
<br />
These are just a few things to think over for next year's<br />
Christmas program. <br />
<br />
Adequate preparedness results in a more effective gospel message.<br />
<br />
The following Bible verse keeps me in focus...<br />
Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it HEARTILY,<br />
as to the Lord, and not unto men."<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/christmas/highlights-from-christmas-at-home/">Click here to see drama excerpts from "Christmas at Home" </a></div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-76552401635451152332011-12-06T17:57:00.000-08:002011-12-06T17:57:56.038-08:00Silent Night free piano arrangement.wmv<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/z2EKpI8Yk7Y?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" width="459"></iframe>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-46179093464565150342011-09-15T19:33:00.000-07:002011-09-15T19:33:24.675-07:00Congregational PlayingSome church pianists have been taught that it's necessary to play every melody note during congregational singing. If you're one of these pianists....you're missing out on all the fun!<br />
<br />
The more well-known the melody is to the audience...the more I deviate from the melody. How to do so without getting lost? I think in chord frames while singing the melody in my head.<br />
<br />
Learning the chords by number system will enable the church pianist to manuever through a hymn without<br />
getting lost. Much to learn! <br />
<br />
Visit my site for improvising tips for congregational singing at:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/"> The Church Pianist</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-11715765704458695212011-08-20T19:46:00.000-07:002011-08-20T20:26:16.610-07:00Most Embarrassing Moment as Church Pianist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/piano-keys-congregational-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://thechurchpianist.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/piano-keys-congregational-small.jpg" /></a></div> I'll never forget the most embarrassing moment I had as a young<br />
church pianist at the age of fifteen. I was playing for the invitation and the sustain pedal broke.<br />
<br />
I can still remember the song I was playing..."Just as I Am".<br />
All I could hear was"Plunk plunk plunk... plunk plunk plunk plunk....."<br />
<br />
My dad was the song leader and he just gave me this "what is going on?" look.<br />
I tried acting like nothing was wrong but it was just TOO obvious :)<br />
Needless to say...the invitation seemed a little shorter that day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/"></a>Anybody else have an embarrassing moment as church pianist<br />
that you're willing to share? Feel free!<br />
<br />
New site: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">The Church Pianist </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-85316836098960050822011-08-15T13:39:00.000-07:002011-08-15T13:39:32.653-07:00Free Piano Arrangement of At the CrossI just shared a free piano arrangement of "At the Cross". The arrangement is piano accompaniment for the congregation singing unison or can be used to accompany a vocal solo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/congregational-singing/free-piano-arrangement-at-the-cross/">Click here to access this free piano arrangement of "At the Cross". </a><br />
<br />
<br />
Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-62878715068900090222011-07-25T19:40:00.000-07:002011-07-25T19:40:21.432-07:00Church Pianist Music Store Re-Opening!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78Rlm_jOfk-JJp1kKm079AHRk_kqR7NW1VLQqN_d3MjsvLDWDYIIzUrIPuVpr7ginIRUy2a895BcyGuozXDwG46Jrb9YMCRpQ1oGOTWgaGTW6ywK7YDNqX8zhESxIkjxSHKXW9Md915E7/s1600/Music+Border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78Rlm_jOfk-JJp1kKm079AHRk_kqR7NW1VLQqN_d3MjsvLDWDYIIzUrIPuVpr7ginIRUy2a895BcyGuozXDwG46Jrb9YMCRpQ1oGOTWgaGTW6ywK7YDNqX8zhESxIkjxSHKXW9Md915E7/s1600/Music+Border.jpg" /></a></div> Come visit our new<a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/music-store/"> music store</a>! We're celebrating by having a sale. You'll receive 25% off purchases greater than $5 until July 30th. Enter coupon code: PIANO....at time of purchase to receive your discount. <br />
<br />
Enjoy looking at the sample pages and audios!Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-5650338337317203442010-11-24T06:24:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:30:04.556-08:00The Church Pianist: Free Piano Christmas Arrangements!<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wxkFi_GvRj_d-PRA-WI4jtC62oX_bSPHEBaZGbIK0Od32YU_QmMg0K8Rb4WqA86g2Dhz2y7J7SjtXiGR7EAXS9qRx-0FnUjcpF0ej9ElcWMMTJy9FNm2ayav0jh_hAxVT5yg2yIA8xAg/s1600/Glistening+note+border.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 80px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543153577901674178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wxkFi_GvRj_d-PRA-WI4jtC62oX_bSPHEBaZGbIK0Od32YU_QmMg0K8Rb4WqA86g2Dhz2y7J7SjtXiGR7EAXS9qRx-0FnUjcpF0ej9ElcWMMTJy9FNm2ayav0jh_hAxVT5yg2yIA8xAg/s200/Glistening+note+border.gif" /></a><br /><div align="center">Need Christmas arrangements to play for upcoming offertories?</div><br />Just click on the link below and enjoy your search :)<br /><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/free-music/free-christmas-piano-arrangements/">Free Christmas Piano Arrangements</a><br /><br /></div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-36007939638275835202010-08-25T12:02:00.000-07:002010-08-25T12:07:35.476-07:00The Church Pianist: Adding Runs to Hymns<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4J1wi4sep1We-Puxi_PNqn_vuOeVrQi9ohdWMNwubdIE649YSyiNfoOD9uM_7sfvPotd9Mnqca7yOMZJuvlE-G0TMHBOf2NFNF39C0RKX96MLQWo2vF1GJ_rcKtKDRYssJr68I1_wnrl/s1600/Glistening+note+border.gif"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 80px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5509426056782835970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4J1wi4sep1We-Puxi_PNqn_vuOeVrQi9ohdWMNwubdIE649YSyiNfoOD9uM_7sfvPotd9Mnqca7yOMZJuvlE-G0TMHBOf2NFNF39C0RKX96MLQWo2vF1GJ_rcKtKDRYssJr68I1_wnrl/s200/Glistening+note+border.gif" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><div>Adding runs to hymns make for nice fillers during a held word.</div><br /><div>I'm doing a series of articles containing visual examples of runs</div><br /><div>in hymns. I'll also be providing an audio of each example.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Go to: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a> to see more on this topic.</div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-6285827979069697962010-06-29T13:48:00.000-07:002010-06-29T14:06:10.084-07:00The Church Pianist: More Piano Offertories!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rz2RWPOhYWLwuWnYHoBN1liU0E32QZNc-BCXeLXlAcJM4nYMy5k8ELJb5ic-wejSv5EiUF_4kuvhigRIFQexNXn4IYtxCDCZRbgON26sqwc21S-qW1aggRYt9tj0No4WceIvXEt-KRd-/s1600/Playing+Piano+Praises+Volume+One.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 156px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488303570482999570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Rz2RWPOhYWLwuWnYHoBN1liU0E32QZNc-BCXeLXlAcJM4nYMy5k8ELJb5ic-wejSv5EiUF_4kuvhigRIFQexNXn4IYtxCDCZRbgON26sqwc21S-qW1aggRYt9tj0No4WceIvXEt-KRd-/s200/Playing+Piano+Praises+Volume+One.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Check out this nice book for offertories from Bible Truth Music entitled </div><br /><div><a href="http://www.bibletruthmusic.com/playing-piano-praises-vol-1-book-pdf.aspx?id=1095">Playing Piano Praises Volume One</a> by Glenn & Jan Christianson.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This piano book contains 10 nice offertory selections. The piano</div><div>arrangements are available in downloadable pdf format or can be</div><div>purchased individually in the same format.<br /><br />I consider these offertories to be early advanced arrangements.</div><br /><div></div><div>I always enjoy finding new offertories! Click on the book title </div><div>to see the actual music of all the piano arrangements contained</div><div>in this book. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Go to: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/offertories/the-church-pianist-more-piano-offertories/">http://thechurchpianist.com/offertories/the-church-pianist-more-piano-offertories/</a> to hear audio samples! </div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-46679781183975679112010-03-02T18:33:00.000-08:002010-03-02T19:03:30.833-08:00The Church Pianist: Offertory IdeasAs church pianists, we could use some inexpensive, creative<br />ideas for offertories, right?<br /><br />Did you know you can use a piano arrangement written for<br />a vocalist to accompany say...a violin or flute solo?<br /><br />Or...use a piano accompaniment written for one of these instru-<br />ments to accompany a vocalist.<br /><br />Not too long ago...I shared a free vocal arrangement of<br />"Haven of Rest". One of my church pianist readers used it<br />to accompany her sister, who plays violin.<br /><br /><br />It turned out so nice that I decided to share this offertory<br />idea with you. <span style="color:#990000;"> Links to music included below the video.<br /></span><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-g8AdHrfKT4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-g8AdHrfKT4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/offertories/the-church-pianist-the-haven-of-rest-accompaniment-part-one/">Haven of Rest part one</a><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/offertories/the-church-pianist-haven-of-rest-part-two/">Haven of Rest part two</a><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/offertories/the-church-pianist-free-arrangement-the-haven-of-rest-part-three/">Haven of Rest part three</a><br /><br />New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-78628079493023324232010-02-18T10:11:00.000-08:002010-02-18T10:17:02.113-08:00The Church Pianist:Congregational SingingHere's an easy tip for church pianists.<br /><br /><br />When playing for congregational singing...<br /><br /><br />Keep the music moving between verses to create an<br />easy entry for singers.<br /><br /><br />Slowing down at the end of each verse will disrupt the<br />flow of music; causing confusion for the congregation as<br />far as when to start the next verse.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/improvising-hymns/the-church-pianist-piano-hymn-fill-ins-part-three/">Piano Hymn Fill-ins Part Three</a> addresses this issue and<br />provides a couple of music examples.<br /><br /><br />It is important for the church pianist to maintain a steady<br />tempo throughout congregational singing. If available,<br />the song leader will take care of this concern.<br /><br />New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-27078890592173178172010-01-26T14:20:00.000-08:002010-01-26T17:35:09.752-08:00The Church Pianist: Free Hymn Sheet MusicHi! Just wanted to make my readers aware of the<br />free hymn sheet music I'm offering on my new website.<br /><br />Click on the following link to view my free hymn arrangements.<br /><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/free-music/">http://thechurchpianist.com/free-music/</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-8335777832528932502010-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:002010-01-10T18:19:21.994-08:00The Church Pianist: Practicing Piano<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCckc1DVPeQw7Hydsc44g0Xy3U8-SyXA_cMRMLdUH3Ax08QyPP5TqpRmGWcdFottDKsgys94YaU17JS7f5xA1mMW_HCFU1pNaUaXbFdoJ0xaLTad_vo4xItz38N5OvF9fNq-ETKCjFD35D/s1600-h/large+baby-grand-piano.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425300978045866322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCckc1DVPeQw7Hydsc44g0Xy3U8-SyXA_cMRMLdUH3Ax08QyPP5TqpRmGWcdFottDKsgys94YaU17JS7f5xA1mMW_HCFU1pNaUaXbFdoJ0xaLTad_vo4xItz38N5OvF9fNq-ETKCjFD35D/s200/large+baby-grand-piano.jpg" /></a><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Making time to practice piano can be quite a challenge!<br /><br />I do better if I work on a small section of an arrangement<br />at a time....say...about 20 minutes per session depending<br />on the content of the hymn arrangement.<br /><br />I always try to have one difficult piece that I'm learning<br />to keep me motivated.<br /><br />It's always best to start a practice session with several<br />scales or other technique exercise to improve mobility<br />and strength.<br /><br />Practicing piano on a regular basis will make the church<br />pianist feel a lot more confident!</div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-1657231510535055552009-11-25T03:54:00.000-08:002009-11-25T04:08:38.975-08:00The Church Pianist: Christmas Program Tips<div align="center">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com</a></div><div align="center"> </div><br />A Christmas program takes lots of work to prepare as I'm<br />sure you all know.<br /><br />As a church pianist, I find myself very busy the night of the<br />program...making sure last minute details are in place.<br /><br />A tip that has really helped me....is to have one of my<br />industrious piano students play the prelude before the program.<br /><br />The student enjoys this opportunity to play during a time when<br />the main focus isn't directed his or her way:)<br /><br />It also allows me time to get in order before the program starts.<br /><br />One more tip...I even have a student or students play the offertory<br />the night of the program.<br /><br />Our young people enjoy being involved in the ministries of our church.<br />For that...I am very grateful.Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-82076099329622143102009-11-08T18:33:00.000-08:002009-11-13T11:00:21.063-08:00The Church Pianist: Easy Christmas Program<div align="center">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a></div><div align="center"></div><p></p><p></p><p>I found this easy Christmas program online and thought I'd share it.<br />You can also go to my new website for a free Christmas program I just<br />shared today.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cph.org/pdf/351330.pdf">http://www.cph.org/pdf/351330.pdf</a> </p>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-3089751748297327682009-11-06T08:17:00.000-08:002009-11-06T08:32:40.112-08:00The Church Pianist: The Haven of Rest (part one)"The Haven of Rest" is one of my favorite hymns.<br />I usually hear this hymn performed as a vocal solo.<br /><br />As a pianist, we must learn to make the text come to life<br />by animated accompaniment...making the message even<br />more real and meaningful.<br /><br />The first verse begins with a troubled scene of a lost soul<br />but ends with a rescue by the Saviour!<br /><br />So...we begin with a mood of turmoil. I use an up and down<br />pattern in the right hand to depict the boistrous waves of the<br />sea.<br /><br />Then...the waves suddenly grow calm...when the lost soul hears<br />the sweet voice of the Saviour. (Notice the movement lessens<br />in the accompaniment for a calm affect).<br /><br />I just want to keep going and explain the next part of the accomp-<br />animent because the mood of happiness increases...creating a<br />cascading wave of crescendo as Jesus floods the 'saved' soul with<br />unexplainable peace!<br /><br />Please go to the following link to see part one and two of this<br />free vocal arrangement of "The Haven of Rest".<br /><br /><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/accompaniment/the-church-pianist-haven-of-rest-part-two/">http://thechurchpianist.com/accompaniment/the-church-pianist-haven-of-rest-part-two/</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-76650696337862124242009-10-26T18:55:00.001-07:002009-10-26T19:03:30.964-07:00The Church Pianist: Sacred Piano DuetsLooking for a nice sacred piano duet book?<br /><br />The following book entitled:<br /><br />"Wonderful Grace of Jesus" is one of my favorites!<br /><br /><br />This book contains some nice selections for Thanksgiving<br />too!<br /><br /><br />You know how some books only seem to have a few nice<br />arrangements? Not this one. They're all wonderful pieces.<br /><br /><br />Click on the following link to view arrangements from the<br />"Wonderful Grace of Jesus" piano duet book.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bjupress.com/product/122234">http://www.bjupress.com/product/122234</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-60346907974676701912009-10-17T07:35:00.000-07:002009-10-17T07:47:31.156-07:00The Church Pianist: Interview with a Composer<div align="center">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a></div><br />Do any of you church pianists compose? If so, you will<br />find the following links very beneficial.<br /><br />As a composer myself, I found the following two part article<br />very interesting...an interview with the composer...Kevin Costley.<br /><br />The web address of the interview host is:<br /><a href="http://www.composecreate.com/wendys-piano-studio">http://www.composecreate.com/wendys-piano-studio</a><br /><br />Interview links:<br /><a href="http://www.composecreate.com/archives/1784">http://www.composecreate.com/archives/1784</a> Part One<br /><br /><a href="http://www.composecreate.com/">http://www.composecreate.com/</a> Part TwoJenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-45881630560902818322009-10-08T10:01:00.001-07:002009-10-08T10:15:40.371-07:00The Church Pianist: How to Play Without Watching FingersPianists of all different levels have asked me...<br />"How do you play comfortably without watching your<br />hands?"<br /><br />I begin by learning the piece with the most comfortable<br />fingering possible without alot of awkward twists and turns.<br /><br />I will have memorized the piece by the time I can play it without<br />hesitations.<br /><br />Once a song is memorized...try playing it in the dark.<br /><br />You'll be amazed at how well your keen sense of touch takes over...<br />just as a blind person must learn to do.<br /><br />Several years ago, I was playing the prelude for a convention<br />with several thousand in attendance.<br />All of a sudden, the lights went out!<br /><br />Fortunately, I had a repertoire of memorized music I could play<br />comfortably in the dark:) I thank the Lord for helping me<br />through that experience.<br /><br />Just be patient with yourself and practice, practice, practice!<br /><br />Knowing your piece will enable you to play without watching your<br />fingers.Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-48917929849123828632009-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:002009-09-28T10:34:05.385-07:00The Church Pianist: Part One: My Very First Hymn Improvsing Piano Lesson<div align="center">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a></div><p><br /><br />I was in fifth grade when I received my first improvising lesson<br />from the hymnal.<br /><br />The hymn I improvised was At Calvary. It took me at least two<br />months to learn the improvised style in a flowing rhythm.<br /><br />Here are the first two improvising steps I learned to create a<br />fuller sound in hymnplaying.<br /><br />First, open a hymnal to the hymn: "Like a River Glorious".<br />I chose this hymn because it is in an easy key and contains<br />a simple rhythm.<br /><br />Let me preface the lesson with the following clarification:<br />The hymnal is written for voice parts only...not for an<br />instrument. Therefore, the pianist must adapt by improvising.<br /><br />The saprano is the top note on the treble staff; while the<br />alto is under the saprano note.<br /><br />The tenor note is the top note on the bass staff and the<br />bass note is under the tenor.<br /><br />Step#1: Add the tenor note to the right hand when feasible.<br />(right thumb plays this note.)<br /><br />You should be playing a total of three notes for the right hand.<br />(tenor, alto and saprano)<br /><br />Exception: Sometimes the tenor note fits better between the<br />alto and the saprano note. This usually occurs when the alto<br />and saprano have a greater distance between them; allowing<br />room for the tenor note to fit between them.<br /><br />It is best to practice the right hand alone (with added tenor note)<br />until a steady flow is maintained.<br /><br />Expect to feel disoriented at first; having to add the tenor note to<br />the right hand without it written that way.<br /><br />Step#2: Double the bass note for the left hand. (left thumb is placed<br />on the written bass note and duplicated an octave below the pinky).<br /><br />Doubling the bass note is basically playing in octaves. This second<br />step really adds a deep, rich sound to the hymn.<br /><br />Be prepared to slow down when adding the left hand to the right hand.<br /><br />The following two step improvising lesson can be described as playing<br />in five-part style: three notes in the right hand and two in the left hand.<br /><br />Keep in mind, it took me two months to play one hymn with this two<br />step improvising lesson. (At Calvary wasn't the easiest hymn to start<br />with; due to a busy rhythm).<br /><br />Once you play one hymn this way, you can apply the same two step<br />process to other hymns.<br /><br />Choose hymns in easy keys with simple rhythms at first.<br />Once you've gained confidence, you can move on to hymns in harder keys<br />with more complex rhythms.<br /><br />This two step improvising method will allow a pianist to sound full<br />enough to support congregational singing.<br /><br />Over time, more improvising skills can be obtained; adding life and fullness<br />to hymnplaying.<br /><br />Part two will contain a video demonstration of this two step improvising<br />piano lesson along with a free pdf arrangement of Like a River Glorious in<br />five-part style. </p><p>Part two can be found at the following link:</p><p><a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/improvise/the-church-pianist-part-two-video-demo-of-my-first-hymn-improvising-piano-lesson/">http://thechurchpianist.com/improvise/the-church-pianist-part-two-video-demo-of-my-first-hymn-improvising-piano-lesson/</a></p>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-35479265041434464842009-09-24T13:47:00.001-07:002009-09-24T14:07:41.126-07:00The Church Pianist: Correct Fingering Makes the Difference!<div align="center">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a></div><p><br />Believe it or not...correct fingering is of upmost importance<br />for the pianist.<br /><br />How can you tell what fingering to use?<br /><br />Here's the basic guidelines I share with my piano students<br />who are at least in Level 3 (early intermediate).<br /><br />Try to stay in the same hand frame (position) to avoid excessive twists.<br />Too many twists produces a choppy sound.<br /><br />It usually works to stay in one hand position for say....</p><p>one sentence of a hymn before repositioning for the upcoming sentence.<br /><br />Adjust the hand according to the highest note of the sentence.<br />You want the pinky to be able to reach the highest note.<br /><br />Just look ahead to each new phrase and reposition your hand<br />as needed. </p>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-25076173321504321592009-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:002009-09-11T19:34:23.879-07:00The Church Pianist: Excellent Resource for Church Pianists!<div align="left">New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a></div><div align="left"><br />If you're a church pianist searching for CD's to </div><div align="left">listen to or maybe a new book for your church</div><div align="left">choir or ladies' ensemble..then check out the</div><div align="left">following website for lots of music and audio </div><div align="left">samples!<br /><br />There is also a free radio station with nonstop Christian<br />music to enjoy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oldchristianradio.com/">http://www.oldchristianradio.com/</a><br /><br />As a church pianist, I'm always looking for good music to<br />recommend to the church family. This site allows you to<br />listen to samples of each CD. What an excellent resource! </div>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7815308672169479205.post-49065561996807561782009-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:002009-09-09T13:54:31.448-07:00The Church Pianist: Offertory Idea Using: Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know<div align="left"></div><div align="left">Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know is a very </div>old hymn that I like to play for offertory.<br /><br />I attend a small church and therefore shorter<br />offertories are the best!<br /><br />Sometimes I just start with the chorus of the<br />song and then on to the verse and chorus to make<br />it just long enough for the offering.<br /><br />Here's an audio of how I would play "Jesus is the<br />Sweetest Name I Know" for a short offertory.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/rt28mdqmae">http://www.box.net/shared/rt28mdqmae</a><br /><br />New website: <a href="http://thechurchpianist.com/">http://thechurchpianist.com/</a>Jenifer Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14633132713807837276noreply@blogger.com4