“More About Jesus” is one of those challenging hymns to “dress-up”!
Wow! There are multiple pattern ideas for this song! I’m trying to settle on which ones to share with you all.
Did you know you can insert rests in place of the right hand melody during repetitive sections? Doing this avoids overworking the hand and produces a smoother tone. More improvising tips and visuals soon!
Most of this hymn consists of the I and V chord with the exception of the ii chord occurring once in the verse and one time in the chorus.
The upcoming video tutorial will cover the verse of “More About Jesus” in the key of G Major.
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.
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!
Finding time to practice vocal specials is a challenge for most church pianists! Listen to Meryt Wilson and Jenifer Cook as they discuss this challenging topic.
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.
What is the accompanist’s role? Should the vocal soloist sing a song just because it’s their favorite? What to do if a singer forgets his or her words? Should you play melody throughout?
Come join Jenifer Cook & Meryt Wilson for a time of discussion on the above topics and more…including funny or embarrassing moments as accompanists at the keyboard.
To be aired here on Jenifer’s website this Saturday, August 17, 2019.
The following article discusses the limitations that come with the intermediate level church pianist. A reminder, they are doing the best they can do for the moment. But with a little extra practice…they can blossom into a fuller sound of playing by expanding their right hand horizon; opening up space for more left hand creativity! The following article is meant to encourage the intermediate level church pianist.
Most intermediate level church pianists play basically in the middle area of the keyboard when accompanying congregational singing or other vocal specials.
(See the picture of their range below)
The bass part in the hymnal doesn’t normally go below the second G under Middle C and the right hand probably doesn’t go as high as the second F above Middle C unless the intermediate pianist takes quick ventures into the upper register 😉
When the right hand stays within this boundary…the left hand playing space is limited. Taking the right hand an octave higher for an occasional spin…opens up more room for the left hand. This does not mean the pianist must stay an octave higher throughout the entire hymn. It’s actually better to use a combination of both the middle or upper register for variety in sound.
When to change registers for the right hand? In my early days of training, I was taught to change right hand registers at the end of a line which equates to at least two sentences. It’s nice to gradually work your way up or down by playing extra chords or notes leading into whatever register you’re heading for.
See example below in the hymn excerpt “Like a River Glorious” (click on image to enlarge)
“It is Well”, a favorite among many of us. I just had to share this uplifting video of my Dad leading “It is Well” for a group of Christian educator’s at a convention several years ago in Myrtle Beach, SC. Although you can’t see the crowd….you can tell they were singing from their hearts.
It was my honor to accompany Dad for the congregational singing and for his vocal solos. Dad really “feels” the music which you will notice in the video below.
My parents have always encouraged me to serve the Lord through music. For that, I am truly grateful.
Just finished writing a quickie congregational arrangement for Rescue the Perishing.
My daughter in law is covering for me on the piano this Sunday and I just realized I didn’t have a congregational arrangement of this song written out….so squeaked this one out in about thirty minutes…not always that quick 😉
I want to publish another congregational booklet asap….just so much writing IS taking place…even though you haven’t seen the fruits of my labor yet! 😉
My husband reminds me…”quality” Jenifer not “quantity”. I can truthfully say that is taking place….hopefully!
