Thinking about Dad a lot lately. He’s been in heaven a little over a year now. (June 2)
I will always remember how Dad sang with gusto not only in his vocal solos but also while leading the congregational singing.
He truly felt the music.
The following tip is for church pianists who accompany vocal or instrumental solos. This pertains to soloists who are comfortable “taking the lead”.
It’s helpful to slow down prior to a fermata or slower section for emphasis. Also, I try to keep the music moving forward during a held word to keep the music alive. Basically, FEEL the music with the soloist to give he or she the best “behind the scenes” support. Remember to constantly monitor your accompaniment volume so as not to drown out the singer or instrumentalist. Have someone sit out toward the back of the auditorium during practice… to check volume between pianist and soloist.
Here’s Dad directing the congregational singing at the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools 50th Teacher Convention in 2017. The second video is me accompanying Dad.
I just wrote two piano hymn arrangements yesterday with my students in mind. They’re still in the handwritten stage right now.
The names of the pieces are All Hail the Power (late elementary) and Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (early intermediate)
These two arrangements came about after turning up a limited supply of hymn arrangements at these levels.
I’m sure there are more nice selections at this level depending on what style you’re looking for. I prefer to expose my students to different arrangers for a more diverse experience at playing the piano.
Some of my favorite books near the late elementary to early intermediate are… (Click on book images to view more information)
Maybe some of you could suggest your favorite books or sheet music at these levels for us to glean from. Thanks!
One of my piano students requested this arrangement of Then Sings My Soul for a piano competition piece.
If you’ve been following my posts over the years, Allissa will sound familiar to you. Allissa has just recently approached a true intermediate level.
She is the one who requested an arrangement of this well-loved hymn.
I tried to add some phrases that sound similar to my advanced version of this hymn. Below….is the video of the early intermediate arrangement for Then Sings My Soul.
Early intermediate sacred piano solo arranged by Jenifer Cook. 3 pgs. Key of B flat major to C major. Two verses and choruses.
This arrangement was written for one of my piano students to play for competition. Some of the phrases will sound similar to my advanced version of Then Sings My Soul. Listen to the video below.
Several of my viewers are asking for sheet music to a short video I did on youtube this past week. The four hymns were spontaneous. So, in time I will try to create at least one more from that particular video. It will probably be “Near to the Heart of God”.
“All the Way My Savior Leads Me” was the first hymn I played in the short video. I would guess this is an early advanced level. My spontaneous pieces do not always have much structure but you’re welcome to wade through my homespun version of this hymn.
This piece wouldn’t take much prep time for the early advanced to advanced church pianist.
Early advanced sacred piano solo, 3 pgs.
One of Jenifer's homespun arrangements she penned to paper when viewers asked for a printed arrangement of one of her spontaneous pieces on facebook live.
Price: $3.75
Thanks to those who encouraged me to create sheet music for All the Way My Savior Leads Me.
