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 (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: 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