Just to bring my readers up to date!  I’m trying to finish my first left hand pattern booklet. The written copy is near completion.

Contents for Left Hand Pattern One (Booklet One)

Four measure music examples in addition to ample application for reinforcement! (Keys covered: C , F and G and B flat)

Video content:  Teaching session of entire booklet with extra info not  shown in booklet, this includes me playing all hymn examples in the booklet.

Now to create the video that will be included with the PDF booklet!

I’m sharing the Foreword page plus one page  of the booklet.

I’ve been thinking lately on  the different aspects of the church pianist’s role in the church.                                                                                                 

In my 30 plus years as church pianist, I’ve never been paid to serve in the area of music ministry.

I’m not apposed to those who are paid to serve but our mindset should be “to serve” regardless if we’re paid or not paid.

As a Christian, we know that we are to strive to be Christ-like and to love the church as Christ loved the church.

Therefore, I always want to try and honor God in all I do…especially within the church consisting of my  fellow believers.

Here’s a list of ideas that run through my mind when serving at our church. (I need to take heed to this list!)

 

1. Love my fellow believers as God would. It’s amazing how much falls into place when we just love our brethren no matter what.
2. Patiently mentor those who need lots of practice
3.  Think on words of songs while playing to clearly portray the message of the song (not just a bunch of useless dots on the page)  😉
4. Adequate preparation to be more effective
5. Compliment someone after they’ve played or sung a special to encourage them. (Slip them a text or note)
6. Remember to follow the song leader   (exception: use your own judgement if you have a leader lacking rhythmic abilities 😉
7. Give encouraging words to those you rehearse with (examples: Just sing from your heart!   I’ll pray for you as you sing, or thanks for being willing to sing, you’re such a blessing!)
8.  Be as organized as possible! (Keep things tidy around the piano areas, such as put away music)  I have a basket on the floor by the piano at church… that holds music I need on a regular basis.
9.  Give uprising pianists an opportunity to play for choir or prelude, etc. to build their experience level. (A great way to maintain a fill-in pianist for when you’re sick or out of town)  *Tip: try using them at least once a month to keep them in shape.  They do better if they play on a consistent schedule.
10. The piano bench doesn’t have my name engraved on it!   SHARE!!!

 

I attend a small country church in the foothills of North Carolina so some of the above tips/ideas may not apply to your situation.  We have what I call a very “unique” church because they are SO loving and supportive.

When someone sings a special…our congregation is  rooting for the singer or instrumentalist, supplying periodic “amens” and nodding of heads as they listen.  You’ve probably picked up on that from the videos I share.

We also include children in our special music ministry.  It thrills my heart to hear young ones sing.  More importantly, it thrills the heart of our Savior.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the role of a churh pianist.

 

 

 

 

Something that has really been on my mind lately is the mind set of the church pianist regarding the role of a church pianist.

As a church pianist, do you ever give yourself a periodic mind check…to make sure you’re being effective?

I get so busy maintaining the special music schedule and practicing before and after services that it’s SO easy to forget other aspects in the church pianist’s role that you may not have considered.

I’m making a little list and will share it soon.  Once you see my list….maybe you’ll have some other ideas to share as well that would help us all as we strive to honor the Lord in our role as church pianist.

 

 

Great is Thy Faithfulness became a public domain hymn this past January!

I have an advanced piano arrangement in the works for this well-loved hymn to be published by the end of September 2019.

Here’s a sneak preview of the first page:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite arrangement of “My Savior First of All” is by Mary McDonald from her book entitled “This is My Story”.

I’ll be playing this simple; yet elegant version tomorrow for offertory.

The introduction sets the mood for this beautiful hymn tune by John Sweney.

I love to hear my Dad sing this song too!  I’ll be sharing clips of Dad singing this song and others asap.

Here’s a sample page from Mary McDonald’s version of “I Shall Know Him”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meryt Wilson and I REALLY enjoyed getting together a couple weeks ago to discuss Accompanying Vocal Specials.  We came up with a series of short videos talking about various ideas on accompanying the vocalist.

Here are several practice tips for the church pianist who plays for vocal specials.

In our next video…we’ll share a couple thoughts when creating an intro for a vocal solo.  Meryt sings while I try to create intros!

 

 

 

I apologize for not posting anything lately.  My dad was hospitalized last week unexpectedly and so I stayed through last week to help them out.

I returned just yesterday and now helping out with grand kids while my oldest son is getting a back issue treated.  I should be able to start posting again by this Friday.

I do enjoy posting articles and writing music but my family comes first.  Thanks for your understanding.  By the way, LOVE the encouraging notes that many of you have written. Thank you SO much!  That’s what keeps me writing! 🙂

Sincerely,

Jenifer

 

 

I’m thrilled to FINALLY have this arrangement in print of “His Name is Wonderful to Me” written by my Dad, Reece Yandle.

This new vocal solo is now available for purchase at Sheet Music Plus.  Available in two different keys!  (E flat and F Major)

PROMO SPECIAL:  Buy this arrangement on Sheet Music Plus and email us your receipt of purchase and we’ll email you one piano solo arrangement of your choice…FREE! from Jenifer’s online music store. Email: jenifer@thechurchpianist.com

Exception: Does not include any offsite products. Offer expires August 30, 2019

Dad has written many songs over the  years.  He has published nine of them on Sheet Music Plus over the last couple of years.

Click here to see what he’s published on Sheet Music Plus. 

In addition, Dad has at least three published songs  through Lorenz. The songs are included in three different books of various composers. They are listed below:

Book Title: No Greater Love:  Song Title: “Nevertheless Thy Will be Done” VIEW SAMPLE PAGES

Book title: Face to Face   Song title: “By the Grace of God” VIEW SAMPLE PAGES

Book title: Day by Day  Song title:  “Who Will Go?”  (nice mission theme song)  VEW SAMPLE PAGES

Below is a video of  Alton Beal, President of Ambassador Baptist College, singing my Dad’s song, “His Name is Wonderful to Me.”

 

 

 

 

Meryt Wilson, one of my dear piano friends and myself, try to get together at least once a year to boost our music creativity.
We decided this year to discuss the topic of Accompanying vocal specials.

This is just a candid conversation that took place between us.

Choosing the song for a singer may not be needed most of the time… but here are some suggestions on how it could benefit some singers.

Next video excerpt will discuss practicing tips with vocal specials!   Have you ever heard of audacity?  I’ll mention it in the next video.

We’re having internet issues and wanted to let our readers know. I have an article just about ready but internet isn’t cooperating!  We’ve had a tech working on the issue. He will need to come back for more adjustments.  Thanks for your patience.  Hope to be back online (fully) in few days.