Congregational Playing

Some 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!

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.

Learning the chords by number system will enable the church pianist to manuever through a hymn without
getting lost.  Much to learn!  

Visit my site for improvising tips for congregational singing at:

The Church Pianist

Most Embarrassing Moment as Church Pianist

 I'll never forget the most embarrassing moment I had as a young
church pianist at the age of fifteen.  I was playing for the invitation and the sustain pedal broke.

I can still remember the song I was playing..."Just as I Am".
All I could hear was"Plunk plunk plunk... plunk plunk plunk plunk....."

My dad was the song leader and he just gave me this "what is going on?" look.
I tried acting like nothing was wrong but it was just TOO obvious :)
 Needless to say...the invitation seemed a little shorter that day.

Anybody else have an embarrassing moment as church pianist
that you're willing to share?  Feel free!

New site:  The Church Pianist

The Church Pianist: Offertory Ideas

As church pianists, we could use some inexpensive, creative
ideas for offertories, right?

Did you know you can use a piano arrangement written for
a vocalist to accompany say...a violin or flute solo?

Or...use a piano accompaniment written for one of these instru-
ments to accompany a vocalist.

Not too long ago...I shared a free vocal arrangement of
"Haven of Rest". One of my church pianist readers used it
to accompany her sister, who plays violin.


It turned out so nice that I decided to share this offertory
idea with you. Links to music included below the video.



Haven of Rest part one
Haven of Rest part two
Haven of Rest part three

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

The Church Pianist:Congregational Singing

Here's an easy tip for church pianists.


When playing for congregational singing...


Keep the music moving between verses to create an
easy entry for singers.


Slowing down at the end of each verse will disrupt the
flow of music; causing confusion for the congregation as
far as when to start the next verse.


Piano Hymn Fill-ins Part Three addresses this issue and
provides a couple of music examples.


It is important for the church pianist to maintain a steady
tempo throughout congregational singing. If available,
the song leader will take care of this concern.

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

The Church Pianist: Practicing Piano

Making time to practice piano can be quite a challenge!

I do better if I work on a small section of an arrangement
at a time....say...about 20 minutes per session depending
on the content of the hymn arrangement.

I always try to have one difficult piece that I'm learning
to keep me motivated.

It's always best to start a practice session with several
scales or other technique exercise to improve mobility
and strength.

Practicing piano on a regular basis will make the church
pianist feel a lot more confident!

The Church Pianist: Christmas Program Tips

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

A Christmas program takes lots of work to prepare as I'm
sure you all know.

As a church pianist, I find myself very busy the night of the
program...making sure last minute details are in place.

A tip that has really helped me....is to have one of my
industrious piano students play the prelude before the program.

The student enjoys this opportunity to play during a time when
the main focus isn't directed his or her way:)

It also allows me time to get in order before the program starts.

One more tip...I even have a student or students play the offertory
the night of the program.

Our young people enjoy being involved in the ministries of our church.
For that...I am very grateful.

The Church Pianist: Interview with a Composer

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Do any of you church pianists compose? If so, you will
find the following links very beneficial.

As a composer myself, I found the following two part article
very interesting...an interview with the composer...Kevin Costley.

The web address of the interview host is:
http://www.composecreate.com/wendys-piano-studio

Interview links:
http://www.composecreate.com/archives/1784 Part One

http://www.composecreate.com/ Part Two

The Church Pianist: Excellent Resource for Church Pianists!

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

If you're a church pianist searching for CD's to

listen to or maybe a new book for your church

choir or ladies' ensemble..then check out the

following website for lots of music and audio

samples!

There is also a free radio station with nonstop Christian
music to enjoy.

http://www.oldchristianradio.com/

As a church pianist, I'm always looking for good music to
recommend to the church family. This site allows you to
listen to samples of each CD. What an excellent resource!

The Church Pianist: The Invitation

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

As a church pianist, you all know that the invitation
is a crucial time. It's a time when many make life-
changing decisions.

Sometimes the pastor has me play while he's talking
during the invitation.

I try to convey a reflective yet urgent mood as pastor
encourages people to come forward as God leads.

Here is an audio sample of how I might play the background
music for the invitation:

http://www.box.net/shared/ov0upsoc7g

The Church Pianist: Free Manuscript Paper

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I came across Wendy's piano Studio while visiting

Music Matters Blog by Natalie Wickham.

Wendy has loads of resources for the pianist.

If you are a composer, you will enjoy accessing

her free manuscript paper at the following link.

http://www.composecreate.com/wendys-piano-studio/teaching-resources/manuscript-paper

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: 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: The Star Spangled Banner in Key of G (Part One)

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


Some church pianists may say I'm committing

a crime by transposing the Star Spangled Banner.

Seriously, it's rather high for most people

in the average small church congregation.

Of course it has its lows at the beginning.

Extreme ranges to be sure!

Just thought I would share The Star Spangled

Banner in a lower key with the small church in

mind.

This is just part one of the Star Spangled Banner

in the key of G. I will post the remainder in the

next article.

The next post will also provide an audio of this

simple arrangement.

Hope it's useful to some of you church pianists.

The Church Pianist: Part Two of Piano Chord Analysis: Free Piano Sample

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I'm sharing part two of the piano solo:

"More About Jesus" with a chord analysis.


In the hymnal, this song only uses three chords:


I , V7 and ii That's it!


In today's free music sample, I'll share some different
chords to add color to the text.


The vocal score is shown with the piano score for chord
comparsion.


Editor notes for today's free piano sample:

Overview:

A simple piano accompaniment was used for a more

(hopefully) clear presentation.

Measures 1 and 2:

To prevent playing the same chord (A flat) for two measures...
play a "climb down bass" pattern; creating a smooth harmonic
flow from one chord to the next. (see chord numbers in music).


Measure 4:


The V7 chord occured in the RH (labled in music)
with both hands finishing on the I chord for the word "me".


Measures 5 through 8:


A different rhythm pattern begins for variety.


Measure 5:


The I - V7 - I chord progression is used to prevent
repetitive A flat chord.


Measure 7:

Chord subsititution: The ii replaced the original V7
and resolved back to the V7.

Chord Tip:

Remember... the bass note does not always
dictate what chord you're using. You have to combine
the notes from both hands putting them in consecutive
3rds to determine the root chord.

Click on following link to see more about the ii chord
substitution from measure #7


http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/11/church-pianist-chord-substitution.html


Audio of today's free piano sample:



http://www.box.net/shared/i8de6j5ptn

The Church Pianist: Piano Introductions: Part One...6/8 Timing with Fermata Endings

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

I enjoyed writing these piano introductions for hymns

in 6/8 timing containing fermata endings.


Remember that a fermata is a bird's eye looking symbol
written over notes. They are usually found close to the end
of songs. You simply hold these notes a little longer than the
norm.


Special note:


The church pianist must ignore these holds when playing
introductions.


See previous article on introductions for more information:



http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/09/church-pianist-introduction-tips-for.html



Here's an audio of Piano Introductions (Part One)



There's a slight pause between each example and
I play a little of the song after each introduction.

http://www.box.net/shared/volkaqz29y

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: 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 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.

The Church Pianist: Chord Inversions for Fill-Ins in Congregational Accompaniment

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Chord inversions work well for congregational

singing because they add fullness to the accompaniment.


For clarification: a chord inversion is nothing more than a
root chord out of order.


For example:


The 'C' root chord = CEG


There are three notes in the 'C' chord...so....the notes in the
root chord can be scrambled (inverted) three different ways
and add such a variety in sound!


Root (CEG) starting position


First inversion (EGC)


Second inversion (GCE)


Notice: the first note of each chord above....spells out the order
of the root chord.


Inversions create a more open tone compared to the close sound
of the root chord. Excessive use of the root chord produces a
cloudy tone. Learn to use more inversions!


Chord inversion fill-ins work best under the following conditions:


*When the same chord lasts for at least two measures
(allows time for the inversions to fit)


*Militant style hymns such as the examples on today's image


*4/4 time is best


Keep in mind...in 4/4 time...only beats one and three are
accented.


Playing the same weight for each beat will create unnecessary
hand tension and cause you to get bogged down in the mud;
creating a sluggish tempo.


All three examples on today's image are in 4/4 time.

The examples are geared to congregational accompaniment.


All three examples are on this one audio with a pause between
each one.


The audio below would be most beneficial if you view the music
while listening. You will hear how I accent beats one and three
for a more musical flow.


Warning!


The constant movement of the chord inversions
may cause disorientation at first :)


Simply practice the chord inversions over and over before
implementing them in congregational accompaniment.




http://www.box.net/shared/q8ltqay0y5