The Church Pianist: Interview with a Composer

Jenifer Cook — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:50:59 +0000

Do any of you church pianists compose? If so, you will
find the following links very beneficial.

As a composer myself, I found the following two part article
very interesting…an interview with the composer…Kevin Costley.

The Church Pianist: What A Friend We Have in Jesus (Interpretation)

Jenifer Cook — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:02:22 +0000

The interpretation of a piano solo is of upmost importance.

In my younger years, my dad always reminded me to play as though I were speaking the song.

He told me to “feel the music” and learn to breathe just as a singer would breathe when singing the same song.

To this day, I always sing the words in my head while playing to focus on the message.

Some words may need to be slower for a special emphasis…while other words can be sped up

to portray a sense of urgency or importance.

To stress the importance of interpretation…I will play an excerpt of my arrangement

“What a FriendWe Have in Jesus”.

The first time through…I will play in strict time with no ebb and flow.

Hear the difference in the second time as I play in a more conversational style.

Notice the treatment of the inner voice movement (notes under the melody) and fill-ins (notes between held words).

Fill-ins are played with a softer touch then the melody.

Fill-ins are always meant to be softer than the melody to avoid distraction of the message.

The next time you play or sing a solo….just remember to interpret the music just as though you were ‘speaking’ the words.

The message will be so much more affective!