Youtube Recordings for The Piano Invitation Collection…
July 21st, 2014News for my church pianist readers: I’ve been creating video recordings of The Piano Invitation Collection and publishing them on my youtube channel.
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News for my church pianist readers: I’ve been creating video recordings of The Piano Invitation Collection and publishing them on my youtube channel.
Yesterday, I started a new advanced piano solo arrangement of “The Love of God”.
I have struggled in the past trying to write a piano solo version of The Love of God. Several years ago I created a vocal trio with piano accompaniment for this hymn. It was easier to write since I didn’t have to stick to the melody.
As I sat at the piano yesterday…a motive (a melodic pattern)… just came to me which you will hear in the introduction. I tried to stay true to the style of the song so as not to distract from the message.
This particular arrangement will be written in my “free style” of playing which I enjoy the most. ( no structure!) yay! Although structure does make the arrangement more user-friendly.
Thanks to many such as Ashley & Karen who have requested that I write an arrangement for The Love of God.
The Love of God (audio sample)
Church pianists enjoying bringing hymns to life by adding different chords! A recent question from one of my readers has created the perfect opportunity for me to share tips on chord substitutions….a topic I’ve been wanting to deal with for quite some time. Chord substitutions can add such color to a song! It’s a very B-R-O-A-D topic; meaning….there’s an endless supply of chord possibilities in any given key!
Reader’s Question:
“I have been using various resources trying to learn more about theory, but I haven’t found any that go beyond a basic level.
For example, I know what augmented and diminished chords are, but I don’t know how to use them or how they fit into functional harmony. In analyzing your arrangements, I have noticed you use a lot of different kinds of chords, such as chords with altered bass notes or a I-ii half diminished-I-etc. progression for introductions.
How did you learn how to use all these? Do you have any recommendations for resources that would teach me more? Any advice would be appreciated!”
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
How did I learn to use different chords from the written music? You won’t like my answer 😉 I play them by ear…basically whatever sounds right. I do know chord theory but don’t think about theory application when playing….I just….play 😉 (Music writer’s confession: I don’t claim to be an expert theorist.)
For everyone’s benefit…the “different” chords we’re discussing are called chord substitutions. A chord substitution occurs when replacing a chord with a different chord.
Easiest Chord Substitution for Starters…
To replace a major chord within a key…use the chord a 3rd above or below the root note of a major chord. (The major chords within any key is the I, IV and V).
The I chord in the key of C Major is the C chord (CEG). Now, what note is a 3rd above C ? E…so the e minor chord (EGB) within the C scale can be used as a substitution as long as it “sounds” good within the occurring chord path (progression) of the song. Count a 3rd below C and you find A. The A minor chord (ACE) is the second choice for a C major chord substitution.
Two observations about these two chord substitution choices:
1. They’re both minor
2. They each have two notes in common with the chord being replaced
There are other types of chord substitutions but wanted to start with the easiest kind.
Extra Information:
1.The chord substitution just described above (3rd above or 3rd below) is called the Diatonic Substitution. A diatonic chord substitution occurs when using different notes within a scale. It’s the most natural form of chord substitution because no note alterations take place; just using what ingredients are already available within that key 😉
2. The key signature and melody of any song dictates what chord(s) can be used.
Click here to download Free Piano Arrangement: At Calvary
I just published the piano invitation collection! I thank the Lord for giving me the strength and clarity of thought through the editing process.
I originally planned twelve arrangements for this collection but added a bonus arrangement without extra cost 🙂 The bonus arrangement is “Draw Me Nearer Medley”.
The entire invitation collection is on sale now through July 4th for $15!
Playing background music is my ultimate favorite way to play 🙂 I just play in a more conversational style to enhance the message of the hymn.
The overall level of playing for this collection is late intermediate to early advanced. I always play more lightweight in nature during the invitation… to create a more appropriate atmosphere.
I will be posting youtube videos of each selection as time allows. You can also hear a sampler of the collection above.
Please note: If you want to purchase additional items with this collection…go to “Advanced Piano Solos” in the music store to buy this collection. The following “buy now” button doesn’t allow for purchasing additional items.
Returned from trip to my parent’s and working on the piano invitation collection.
Oh…there will be thirteen arrangements instead of twelve. I had been overlooking one other song in my file collection while working on this project. It’s actually a medley of “Draw Me Nearer with Close to Thee”.
Just wanted to let my readers know my dad has had some health issues so I’m going to spend some time with my parents this week.
In addition I will be tweaking several of the invitation arrangements when I return. I just don’t want to do a half way job. My husband is always reminding me…”It’s quality…not quantity”.
I will take the time to at least share something with you before I leave. Below is a video of a vocal solo sung recently at our church. What I like best about this song is…it’s a mission-based song. It’s hard to find a lot of music on this theme. The song was written by a friend of ours here in our home town. I hope to see it published one day!