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