What is the Role of the Church Pianist?
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!)
- Love my fellow believers as God would. It’s amazing how much falls into place when we just love our brethren no matter what.
- Patiently mentor those who need lots of practice
- 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) 😉
- Adequate preparation to be more effective
- Compliment someone after they’ve played or sung a special to encourage them. (Slip them a text or note)
- Remember to follow the song leader (exception: use your own judgement if you have a leader lacking rhythmic abilities 😉
- 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!)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Very good Jenifer!
All of this is beautiful and helpful. I appreciate your “others focus” that encourages us to imitate Christ. Helpful counsel given to me emphasized supporting the congregation. Currently I play only the four parts in the hymnal, but this counsel has motivated me to play the notes and timing accurately. I have learned that this skill is a great asset to many congregations, even while it may not get me on the piano at others. I’m fine with that. Last year, I was the only pianist at a small church. I didn’t sing for a year. This year, I’m at a different church, not on the piano (unless everyone happens to be sick or busy on a Wednesday night), but in the choir appreciating a pianist who emphasizes the timing accurately and plays the parts well–in spite of all the extra that he adds to what’s on the page. A focus on others brings contentment and joy as we all grow in our abilities together to praise our God.
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