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: 6/8 Time (Free Sample)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

We just sang a song in 6/8 time this past

Sunday that gave my hands a big workout!

(As I mature in age, I like to make things as simple

as possible.)

Seriously, it's better to avoid playing every word

when accompanying in 6/8 time.

Why? To create a steadier and more musical flow.

Editor notes for today's example: (Praise Him! Praise Him!)

Measure #5: Right hand changes to a broken chord pattern

for variety.

Measure #7: Using a rest (in this case....for the right hand)

prepares the right hand for a more comfortable

entry of busy octaves in measure #8.

Measure #8: The ascending octaves in right hand creates an

easy transistion for playing higher.

Measure #9: The right hand climbs down the ladder with chords

transistioning to the lower register of keyboard.

Measure #11: Right hand plays in contrary motion to melody on

beats four through six for a nice contrast.

Measure #12: Left hand can play as shown or...double the 'D' and 'B'

on beats two and three for total octave format.

The vocal score is shown with the piano score for you to compare

to see how the accompaniment fits the voice parts.

6/8 timing songs are usually very wordy and require less

accompaniment frills than 4/4 time.

Any questions? Feel free to ask.

The Church Pianist: Playing Congregational 6/8 Timing

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

Most church pianists find it challenging to
spice up a 6/8 song with repetitive bass lines.
6/8 songs are usually sung at a fast tempo.

Remember... the faster the tempo, the simpler
the accompaniment.

As in all music, there are accented (stressed)
beats. In 6/8 timing, beats one and four are
accented. It's important for the pianist to
accente these beats to maintain a steady
tempo.

The song below, illustrates a congregational
accompaniment pattern for two different verses.

Please notice that it is not necessary to play every word.

Try the same patterns with other songs in 6/8 time!