The Church Pianist: Accompanying the Vocalist (Youtube Video)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Accompanying the vocalist is one of my
favorite things to play for in a church service.

I'm able to stray from the melody and just play
within the chord frame of each measure.

Chesney, is one of my voice students. The Lord
has blessed her with the ability to sing and play
the piano.

I appreciate her sweet and willing spirit to
serve the Lord through music.

I had Chesney sing this song to allow me to share
with you all...accompaniment ideas for the vocalist.

The song, "Come Thou Fount" has a busy melody
line! This means less movement for the pianist;
using more of a chording style.

Notice the introduction has a hint of the melody
but doesn't use the typical introduction.
(Meaning....the first and last phrase of the song.)

The interlude before the last verse allows the singer
a chance to get his or her breath. :)

Youtube video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzYr30HYfc0

The Church Pianist: Accompanying the Vocalist (Youtube Video)

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com/

Today, I'll share a video of me accompanying
one of my voice students... Chesney... singing
"Trust and Obey".

Hopefully, you will be able to observe some of
what I've discussed in other articles regarding...
accompanying the vocalist. Please excuse the loud
piano:(

Related links:

http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/12/church-pianist-accompanying-vocal.html

http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2008/10/church-pianist-improvising-tips-for.html


I do use some melody here and there in the
accompaniment.

Listen for the altered vii diminished chord in
the last verse. What word did it occur on? :)


Related article discussing the altered vii diminished chord:

http://thechurchpianist.blogspot.com/2009/01/church-pianist-stately-chord.html

Youtube link for video of Trust and Obey:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNfKYhQJe-A

The Church Pianist: Accompanying the Vocal Soloist

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

As I was accompanying a vocal soloist
this evening, I was reminded of how important
it is to sing along in my mind while accompanying.

It is so important to feel the ebb and flow (rise and fall
of volume and varied speed) as interpreted by the
singer.

Being a church pianist demands flexibility! Not every
soloist interprets a song the same way.

Over the years, I've played "Birthday of the King" so
many different ways! Some soloists sing it slow while
others may go faster or at various speeds.

The speed of a song determines the style of accompaniment.
I will address this in another article with visual examples.

Remember...you have to give the soloist time to breathe!
It's so easy to rush the singer through the song.

Learn to feel the music as though you were speaking
the same words. Make it conversational.

If the singer is a true musician, you will be following them
as it should be.

I'd rather accompany a singer or instrumentalist any day over
playing a solo. For me, it's more fun to stray from the melody
and be creative :)

Hope you've all had a great Sunday!

The Church Pianist: Improvising for Vocal Accompaniment

New website: http://thechurchpianist.com

Improvising Tips for Vocal solo in 6/8


1. 6/8 Timing can be slower for prayerful mood
songs.


2. Busier accompaniments work well for slower tempos.


3. Variety is the key! Break up the busy sixteenth-note


flow with some sit-still chords here and there like in


measures: # 6 (calls) #7 (world) #9 (throne) #10 (all).


4. Contrast in movement is nice. For example:


Measure #6 (the right hand piano accompaniment


moves contrary to the direction of the melody) on


the words: "...from a"


5. Sometimes the piano accompaniment needs to literally


"rest" to allow the soloist time to enter a new phrase after


a breath.


For example: Measures #3, and 9.

The ultimate goal is to bring the text to life with an appropriate

accompaniment;yet being the background support for the vocalist.

Please feel free to leave suggestions of things you would like to see presented.

Thanks!