One of my church pianist readers recently requested that I provide some helpful tips on how to play glissandos.
One of the trickiest technical moves in my How Great Thou Art piano arrangement is the glissando found on page four. (Shown below)
Glissando Tips
1. Notice the three tenuto (line marks) under the left hand in measure 29. These marks are pointing out the melody for the words “…then sings my…”. Emphasize the melody and keep the glissando volume in the background (little softer than left hand).
2. The right hand begins the glissando with the index finger immediately after the left hand plays the G octave with the first tenuto (line) mark. (It happens to be the same G as the left thumb just finished playing in the G octave).
3. Start the glissando with your right hand index finger…flipping the right hand over after the index finger starts. The index finger and 3rd finger will glide across the keys in an upside down, horizontal position. Once the index finger begins…the third finger will carry the brunt of the notes as you glide upward. The index finger will act more as a support and guide for the third finger. Just remember….the third finger is longer so it naturally has better contact of the keys.
4. Word of caution to church pianists: Glide across keys in a lightweight; relaxed fashion to avoid sore fingers 🙂
Visual Tips for the Glissando in How Great Thou Art
Just discovered another website for church pianists from other online friends. Introducing…Glorious Assurance Music…a fairly new online resource for church pianists.
Two sisters, Laurie Iskat and Christie Funchess, began this website in the fall of 2010. Their desire was to provide a resource for God-honoring Christian music.
The arrangements range from beginner to advanced. At this time, they are offering three free arrangements (listed below). The rest of the arrangements are available for sale at a very reasonable price.
I’m always looking for easy arrangements for men’s ensemble or choir. Our choir has short practices due to many members travelling long distance to church. Therefore, we try to use two to three part arrangements…depending on who’s available to sing.
Several of our young men recently formed a singing group. They learned an easy two part arrangement of “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. I think they practiced only three times due to time and distance factors. I thought they did real well for a first time together!
I’m sharing a youtube video of the men’s ensemble so you can hear how the arrangement turned out.
This two part men’s arrangement is available for purchase at the following link:
The words to “Come Thou Fount” were penned by a preacher named Robert Robinson in 1758. He wrote this song several years after coming to know Christ.
Robert was prone to wander like all of us as revealed in the words “…prone to wander Lord I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love;” But then his request of renewed devotion “Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, Seal it for Thy courts above.”
For those that have wondered about the meaning of “Ebenezer” in verse two….”Here I raise mine Ebenezer…” Ebenezer means “stone of help”.
Click on song title below to download a free ladies’ two part acapella arrangement. I’ve offered the arrangement in two different keys.
When you think of Mother’s Day songs…you think of songs that offer tribute to Mothers, right?
Well, why not consider songs of devotion to God that can be sung by a group of ladies or female solo? As mothers, we constantly strive to live a godly life. Why not sing about that devotion?
Here are a few suggestions for ladies’ ensemble: (Click on each song title to view music)
As promised….here’s a free piano arrangement of “The Old Rugged Cross”. I wrote it in memory of Letha Snodgrass, my piano student and friend. Sorry I didn’t post this sooner for those who would have used it for Easter. I just haven’t been in the writing mood lately until now.
Due to the recent home going of one of my piano students…I’ve been preparing music for her funeral. I came across these two songs that I thought I’d share with other church pianists in case they have not heard of them. Both of these pieces are VERY comforting and appropriate for any occasion but especially for funerals.
This has been a very difficult week. One of my piano students I’ve been mentoring to be a church pianist passed away this week…very unexpectedly. Please pray for the family.
I’ve managed to prepare a “free accompaniment” idea for Heaven Came Down. This particular hymn contains a mundane bass line..making it a challenge for the average church pianist to create an interesting accompaniment. What to do? You have to play what’s not there 🙂 Easy said…but a challenge to do right? For that reason, I’m sharing a free accompaniment idea that can be used for the verse of this hymn.
I”m limited on what I can share because this hymn is still under copyright. Therefore, I can only share a small portion for educational purposes only…(called the “fair use” law). Just use the same accompaniment idea to finish out the verse. I would tend to use this accompaniment idea ONLY if the congregation is secure with their voice parts…whatever that may be. Most of our congregation sings melody.
After publishing a video of me playing “How Great Thou Art” in a nursing home…I began receiving requests on youtube and my website for a copy of this arrangement. The funny thing about this arrangement…it was spontaneous.
After at least two years in the make (on and off–during this time frame)…I am about to put the finishing touches on this arrangement. It will be available by March 15th !
Keep in mind…the arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” won’t be exact note for note as played but…will be VERY close 🙂 It took me about 20 minutes to re-create about 3 measures at a time. I would watch my youtube video by the piano and pause ALOT to write what I heard.
Thanks to all who encouraged me to write this arrangement of “How Great Thou Art”.
