The Church Pianist: Piano Introductions (Free Samples) Part Four

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Today's free samples of piano introductions cover
hymns beginning with an incomplete measure.

Not sure what I was thinking earlier when I ment-
ioned these type of introductions being tricky.

Although, there are some hymns with tricky intro-
ductions because they have two different time
signatures.

I will cover tricky introductions in another article.

The most important thing to remember when
playing introductions.....keep it moving :)

Also, remember to give a rousing introduction for
peppy songs and a more subdued mood for
devotional type hymns such as :
"A Child of the King" ...used in today's free samples
of piano introductions.










I will share an audio of today's samples.









http://www.box.net/shared/5o8my7ebku

The Church Pianist: Piano Introductions Part Two: Hymns in 4/4 Timing

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Piano introductions need to be simple to follow

to ensure a confident entry.



Here are some examples of piano introductions in
4/4 time.



Editor notes for today's music image:



*Christ the Lord is Risen Today... (third measure)



I played single eighth notes here and there in
the right hand for ease of movement through
a fast passage.



*Standing on the Promises... (second measure)



To avoid using a B flat chord for the entire measure,
I used an E flat chord on beats three and
four for chord variation. In theoretical terms, the IV
chord (E flat) replaced the I chord (B flat).



I also altered the melody onthe fourth beat to create
a smoother melodic transistion into the next measure.

Just remember: No ritard at end of introductions :)



Hope you're able to make use of these piano introductions.

Hear piano introductions:



http://www.box.net/shared/jjdpoocu2y

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