Classical Music….a help or hindrance to the  church pianist?

A good question!

The answer is “Yes”…..classical music greatly benefits the church pianist!

How?

Advantages of being exposed to classical music:

*Conditions the ear for well-structured melodies and rhythm.

*Strengthens the fingers

*Demands a need for structured fingering which carries over into proper fingering for hymn arrangements.

*Introduces the pianist to scales and other rhythmic patterns in music that can be incorporated into the
  hymns as well.

*Last but not least….classical music demands disciplinein the areas of technique and interpretation for the
  best results.

Although classical music is vital to all pianists, the church pianist needs a balance of both: classical and hymn training.

I’m thankful for the teachers God provided for me in my early years of training.

I learned alot of improvising by just listening to the different teachers over the years. They also taught me ‘one on one’ how
to add runs and fill-ins. Most importantly, they taught me the theory to back up their training.

When my kids were little, I found it hard to come
early or stay after services to practice with people.

My husband said, “Why not let them come to the
house during the week?”

Oh! (The most obvious) I’d never thought of that.

Practicing at our house turned out to be the best
experience for me and the singer or instrumentalist.

We were able to practice without interruptions; giving
us a chance to really focus on the music.

It was also easier to give helpful tips to the person in
a more private setting.

The person or persons felt more at ease in the less
crowded surroundings.

(My husband or family member of the person (s)
practicing would sit with my kids upstairs.

Time is precious. We just have to be creative about
finding more convenient niches of time to practice.

Ok…bounce a basketball and notice how your arm gives in to the bouncing motion (called…”follow through”).

Now…go to the piano and play several 4 note chords with your right hand.

Your hand and arm should give in to the weight of the initial force without a premature release.

So many pianists play full chords with a slap effect. They hit the chord and release, not giving the chord its full count.

What needs to happen is…attack and release.

The ‘attack’ is the initial force of playing the full chord.

‘Release’ means allowing the arm to rebound from the initial attack but not releasing the chord too early.

I call this the ‘Elmer’s glue’ touch. (Think of it as a delayed response).

Don’t be in a hurry to release the chords. Give them their full value.

This technique tip will prevent unnecessary strain on the hands and arms when playing songs with alot of full chording.

The music will also sound more musical and not so abrupt in tone.

~~~~Just relax and give in to the music! ~~~~~

Not every church is blessed with a dozen pianists. Our church has two pianists. The great challenge is finding time to practice with those preparing for offertories and vocal numbers.

To save precious time, I make a cassette recording of the song for the singer or instrumentalist to take home and practice. This works great if they have a cassette recorder and actually practice the song.

At least one week before they sing, we get together in real time and practice. Depending on the difficulty of the song….we may have to get together sooner. What a difference it makes! Practice time is minimal!

Some of our people have purchased their own cassette recorder because they have seen how it has benefited others.