My husband and I have enjoyed staying in a cabin by a mountain stream for the past couple of days.

Thought I’d share two sacred impromptu piano solos down by the stream…relaxing…to help me get in the writing mood!

Reece Yandle, my Dad, wrote “This is America” a patriotic vocal solo, about twenty-five years ago and I just re-discovered it on one of my recent visits to my parent’s house.

I told Dad he HAD to get this one published!

I will try to provide at least a sample video of “This is America” asap.

This beautiful patriotic anthem speaks of our loyalty to America and reminds us that God gave us America and how we need to keep her free!

Click on title to view sample page and audio:  This is America

Dad also has another Patriotic vocal solo available entitled “In God We Trust.” The words of this tasteful melody reminds us to trust in God no matter what comes our way. View sample page and audio:  In God We Trust

Adding finishing touches to my Dad’s patriotic solo entitled “This is America”.

Hopefully, I will publish this arrangement by this evening.

Easy Six Beat Note Fill In!

Sharing one of my favorite fill ins for pianists!

Use this fill in for hymns in 3/4, 9/4, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8

Where to use? On a melody note lasting 6 beats.

How to use? Determine what chord is being used during the six count note.

Left hand plays single bass note in lower register of keyboard on 1st beat and plays a chord on fourth beat.

Right hand enters on beats two through beat six.

Tip: To prevent disorientation….notice the melody note you’re heading to after the fill-in.

Apply to hymns of like nature using the time signatures listed above.

Below…is a video demonstrating the four examples from video above.

I’m feverishly trying to finish my early intermediate  sacred piano solo book for Lorenz. It’s due June 1st. I’m working on the ninth one now.  The book will contain a total of ten piano solos.

Here are some of the song titles:  What a Friend We Have in Jesus, His Eye is on the Sparrow, Jesus What a Friend for Sinners, All the Way My Savior Leads Me and Crown Him with Many Crowns.

I’m also currently working on my next website video tutorial to present a certain fill-in that I LOVE to use!

In my spare time….I need to unveil a nice patriotic vocal solo by my Dad….hope to publish asap!

Need your help! Just need names of at least two hymns that use a 12/8 time signature. Thanks!

I confess, I played an impromptu offertory  from the hymnal last night.  Actually, if truth be told, I play simple offertories most of the time.

(We also attend a small country church where “simple” is best 🙂

The older I get….the more simple I become 🙂  (You young ones may understand this later on in life).

I do enjoy playing a nice well thought out arrangement but it’s nice to return to a less crowded piece as well.

In my younger years, I played ONLY pre-made arrangements with LOTS of frills. (We were also in a larger church at the time).

Now…I find it soothing to play a hymn in a less busy style….allowing me to focus more on the message of the song.

Of course, what may seem simple to me may sound fancy to someone else since I do incorporate runs as the need arises 😉

Just curious… what do you play for offertories the most…full-fledged arrangements….simple arrangements…..or a little of both?

Need piano offertory ideas for When I Survey? I just shared a few tips with a skype student yesterday that may be helpful for other church pianists.

Keep in mind this lesson is geared to the early intermediate student but the tips are applicable to all levels of church pianists.

To me…a wordy hymn is just that…a hymn with a lot of words which also contains a  busy rhythm such as  eighth notes.

Watch the video below to learn a tip on how to make wordy hymns sound smooth instead of choppy.

Click on title to download FREE pdf for the verse of “My Savior First of All”

Do any of your special music people ask you to help them choose a special?  Over time…our special music people have learned that I ENJOY helping them choose a song.  Watch the video below to learn a suggested tip on how I help them choose their special. (There are other factors too but dealing with the main one first.)  🙂