The Church Pianist: Piano Introductions (Songs in 3/4 Time)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Piano introductions should be simple;

giving a sufficient sampling of the tune

to ensure a confident entry for the song

leader and congregation.

As I prepared today's music examples...

several tips came to mind for piano intro-

ductions which I'll share in another article.

As you'll discover in today's introduction examples...

introductions do not have to be very long.

Just provide enough of the beginning of the tune

with a secure ending.

The next article will be entitled:

Piano Introductions: (Part Four)

Songs starting with incomplete

measures.

Songs with incomplete measures can be quite

tricky when it comes to piano introductions!

I'll share some examples and tips concerning

this topic in the next article.

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!

Piano Introductions (Tempo Changes)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

Some songs in the hymnal
have time signature changes.

The verse may start in 3/4

and the chorus in 4/4.

Generally, introductions consist of

the first and last phrase of the song.


Remember, the purpose of the intro-

duction is to establish the initial tempo.


The introductions for songs with tempo

changes must be created from the verse

to establish the initial tempo.


I have given several song examples to

illustrate possible introductions.



Editor notes for Examples:


1. Christ Returneth: the introduction

had to be modified to avoid a lengthy

introduction.



2. The last two songs were easier...

using the first and last phrase of

the verse.



Introduction tip: The last phrase of the verse


must end on a one chord to give the introduction


a closing sound. Otherwise, the church pianist


will need to modify (end on the one chord).



For more information on introductions, please refer to


the following links of my earlier articles.



http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/09/church-pianist-introduction-tips-for_9455.html

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

The Church Pianist: Introduction Tips for Congregational Singing (Part Two)

(Question & Answer Format)

1. What part of the song should be the introduction?

Normally, the first and last phrase of the song. (Beginning the introduction with the first
phrase allows the congregation to hear how the song starts.)

2. What about introductions for a song with more than one time signature?

It is very important to play the first and last phrase of the verse. (as long as the verse ends on a one chord.)

The congregation needs to hear the initial time signature. I prefer to play the first line of the song with chord modifications near the end of the sentence.

For example: "Sweeter As the Years Go By"

(3/4 time on verse & 4/4 time on chorus)

I would play: “Of Jesus’ love that sought me When I was lost in sin. (first line)

The words: “…lost in sin” would have to be altered to make the intro sound complete.

Here are the alterations; one word at a time:

“lost” change melody to a “G” above middle C (use an E flat 7 chord in left hand)

“in” change melody to a “B flat” above middle C (hold the previous LH chord)

“sin” change melody to an “A flat” above middle C (use A flat chord in LH)

It is up to the church pianist to give a clear introduction.

The above pointers will help to create a stable introduction for congregational singing.

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com