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: 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!