Hmmm…accompaning vocalists…what a responsiblilty we have as church pianists to support the singer; allowing them to take the lead. 

Our job as a pianist is to provide a nice backdrop of sound to enhance the singer’s message. This is an area I would like to expound upon…at a later time:)

Until then….the following tips for accompanying the vocalist makes a nice start.

I came across this practical, informative article today on Sheryl Welles’ Notable Music Studio blog. The article addresses the importance of learning to accompany the vocalist.  Laura Lowe of  The Piano Studio, authored this practical advice on accompanying.

Article: Teaching Well-Rounded Musicians

Improving Ideas for Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne (part two)

The improvising ideas in this hymn are simplistic but are meant to add warmth to enhance the beautiful words of this old melody.

Improvising ideas for Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne: part one

*Keep in mind…the chords in the piano score will not match the four parts from the hymnal version.

“Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” is a beautiful hymn to use at Christmas time.  This particular hymn contains a lot of accidentals…creating awkward moves for the church pianist.  I will attempt to create smoother harmonic changes making it more user-friendly for the average church pianist.

Editor notes for Part One of “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne”

Download the free pdf  example here to view as you read the information below.

1. I like to use a ‘G’ natural in place of the ‘G’ sharp on the last word of line one. I just think it sounds better.

2. Notice the chord number labels in line two. Whenever a I chord is lasting more than one beat and moving to a V chord…you can substitute a vi chord in place of the I chord before moving into the V chord.   The vi chord creates a warmer tone.

In plain English…a I chord in the key of D = DF#A and the V chord in the key of D = AC#E

I look forward to sharing more improvising ideas with the rest of “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” in part two.

*Keep in mind…the chords in the piano score will not match the four parts from the hymnal version.

I have compiled several of my free Christmas piano arrangements under the ” Free Hymns Pdf” page for easier access. 

 Most church pianists are gearing up for Christmas; searching out Christmas piano arrangements. Hope these free arrangements are a help to your music ministry.

Communication between the sound man and the church pianist or music director is vital.

Every church pianist may not be in the same situation as myself.  We have two young men  that help out with our music ministry.  Our church seems to be the hub for training young musicians and then releasing them into various ministries. 

I try to take up the slack and keep open communication between myself and the sound man. Here are several ways I attempt to keep the sound man up-to-date.

Provide him with the following:

*Current Special Music Schedule (gives him advance notice for setting up extra microphones for group specials)

*Program Scripts (with sound cues)

*Periodic conversations with sound man to make sure things are running smoothly

*Practice in advance with sound man with various group specials (instrumental or vocal) to work out microphone settings. 

These are only a few suggestions that I thought may be helpful for church pianists; who like myself…are trying to work as a team with the sound crew 🙂

Once again…I understand that not all church pianists are in this type of situation.  But, it may make you more aware of the importance of proper sound; reminding you to thank the sound crew or person for their help with this ministry. 

It’s so important to keep open communication amongst ourselves in the various ministries of our church…especially the sound crew 🙂

With Thanksgiving  just around the corner…”Come Ye Thankful People Come“ has been on my mind.  Here’s a free piano arrangement of this old-time favorite.

Alot of times, our choir will sing a special from the church hymnal.  Sometimes I just want an introduction other than the regular last phrase of the song. 

 Congregational introductions do require introductions that are self-explanatory.  But…for the choir and other specials, it’s nice for the church pianist  to have a creative introduction as long as it fits the song. 

I”m sharing an introduction idea today that would work for offertory, choir or other vocal special. 

For example, if you’re giving an introduction for a song in C Major…start the introduction with an F chord…then to a C chord and finally end with a G (7) chord right before the first word of the song.  

Sound clear?   Check out the example below that illustrates this type of introduction.  In this particular case, I used the introduction idea in an offertory special entitled  “We Gather Together”.

Click on image to enlarge for clearer view.

The church pianist plays a very important role in setting the mood for the service through the use of prelude music.

For example, this past Wednesday evening was very rainy and dreary.  I chose more peppy, uplifting hymns for the prelude… to create a happy mood.  In general, I try to use peppy hymns for the prelude. I want to communicate to the listeners that the Christian life can be joyful.  There are times for slower hymns but I prefer to use more upbeat hymns during the prelude.

Here’s a list of hymns I played for the prelude this past Wednesday night…

There is Sunshine in My Soul Today

Heavenly Sunlight

I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord

Showers of Blessing 🙂

For offertory, Sunshine (our other church pianist) and myself, played “Count Your Blessings” from the hymnal.  

We as church pianists certaintly have a wonderful opportunity to encourage our church family in the Lord through the use of prelude music.

Here’s another nice resource for church pianists.  I found this website not too long ago and thought I’d share it with you. It’s an easy name to remember….pdfpiano.com

The site contains gospel piano solos and piano duets.  Many of the arrangements require minimal practice…making it a nice resource for church pianists with limited practice time.

This announcement is for those who haven’t seen the following ordering  information on my “Showers of Blessing”  page.

Soundforth will allow  US mail rate for orders under $30.  Simply order from them by phone and request US mail.  Keep in mind…tracking will not be available with this cheaper rate.