Do you know what “inner voice movement” means?

It’s all those moving notes under the melody that add
extra life to an arrangement.

A good example of inner voice movement can be found
in the hymn “Jesus is Coming Again”.

Look at the first few words of the chorus….

“Coming again, coming again”.

The moving notes under the melody for the right hand
is the inner voice movement.

The proper hand treatment (varied weight) can make or
break the inner voice movement.

How to play this phrase of “Jesus is Coming Again”
for right hand…

1. Go heavy on the octaves

2. Play softer and lighter staccato on the inner voice movement notes.

*Special note: Hold onto the octave while playing the inner
voice movement. Allow the wrist to lightly bounce up when
playing the inner voice movement to avoid tightness in the hand.

Here’s example #2 of an improvising idea.

Click here for pdf example: Improvising_ Hymns_Day _by_ Day 

This idea can be used anywhere in a hymn

where a one chord last for at least three to

four beats in addition to the following measure

starting on a one (I) chord.

 It  adds a nice flowing movement from

one measure to the next.

*Click the following sentence to access the music examples:

Improvising_Idea_Contrary_Octaves *pdf example

Here’s a simple improvising idea to dress up

hymns with few chord changes.

Use contrary octaves between both hands to produce

a more interesting sound.

In today’s examples, the contrary octaves will occur

when the V chord leads to a I chord.  The contary octaves can

occur in other chord progressions but  I’ll address those at

another time.

After playing these examples, try the contrary octave idea

in the following hymns:

“Showers of Blessing” ( 1st sentence on words: “…showers of….” )

“Redeemed” ( 1st sentence on words: “…love to pro-…” )

Editor notes on today’s examples:

Description of left hand octave pattern:

1st octave is same note as right hand

2nd octave steps down

3rd octave skips down

Looking for easy choir arrangements? 

Check out this page at Rejoice Music:

https://www.rejoicemusic.com/Category.aspx?c=31

Our church just ordered: Honey in the Rock (SB)

*(SB means Saprano and Bass)

The 2 part harmony in this lively piece is easy to learn!

All pianists want their playing to sound smooth. How you use the pedal can make a huge difference!

In this youtube video, I’ll demonstrate the use of a pedal technique that I call the “pedal flutter technique”.  Hope it’s a help to some of you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLZKMXjOSs0

Does your piano playing ever sound choppy or cloudy and you just can’t figure out why?

Here’s a sh0rt youtube video clip… introducing a pedal tip to help revolutionize the sound of your playing!

Lesson two of this article on youtube, will include a demonstration for this pedal tip.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvsf6Wt1RfA

There are exceptions, but these are the general guidelines
coming from my personal experience in the music ministry.

  A. Relationship Between the Song Leader and Church Pianist

   1. Pianist should submit to song leader but still have
      a healthy “working team” relationship.

   2. Of course, during choir is not the time for the pianist
      to make suggestions unless the song leader specifically
      ask for assistance.

   3. The pianist is to follow the song leader during congregational
      singing, choir specials and invitation time.
 
   4. Exception: if the song leader doesn’t direct with his hands…
      the pianist is to establish the singing tempo.

   5. Be willing to accept suggestions

   6. Respect the song leader’s position; allowing him to maintain
      the leadership role.

   7, Open communication between song leader and pianist is of upmost
      importance.

B.  Job Description of the Church Pianist
 
   1. Be punctual
      *I always try to arrive 15 minutes early to all services and
       5 – 10 minutes early to choir practices. This allows time for
      last minute details. (such as: changes to music schedule due to
      sickness or maybe Pastor needed to change order of service for
      some reason.)

   2. Follow the leader 🙂
     
   3. Display a willing spirit

   4. Be flexible!

   5. Be hospitable 🙂
      *Greet the choir members with a smile as they enter for a practice.

   6. Be prepared
      *Practice choir music or other special music in advance if at all possible.

C.  Developing the Special Music Program

    I enjoy recruiting new members for the special music program!
    Does your church or choir contain people that you know could sing a special
    but they are too timid to come forward?

    (Keep in mind..I’m the one who maintains the music schedule which
    keeps me more in tune with this area on a regular basis.)

    Here’s an approach I use to encourage the more reluctant singers.

    Alot of times, one of our special music people will approach me and
    say, “Have you heard so and so sing? He or she does a great job but
    thinks they can’t sing.”
 
    I’ll simply approach that person and ask them if they would mind singing
    in a large ensemble for a special…say…a Wednesday  or Sunday night.

    (Evening services are usually more comfortable for beginning singers.)

   Over time, I’ll decrease the amount of people in that person’s group until
    they’re singing comfortably in a duet or maybe even a solo. Sneaky huh?
    It works!

    I especially like to take a personal interest in children wanting to sing
    for church. They’re the future and need to be trained and encouraged while
    at a tender, workable age.

    Choosing the song for new or old singers is of upmost importance. The song
    must suit their vocal range. For example, you wouldn’t want to choose a song
    with a lot of high notes for a low voice singer.
  
    This can make the difference in whether the person will want to sing. They
    need to feel as comfortable as possible while ministering through song.

    Although this is not an exhaustive list…I hope it has helped to define the
    role of the church pianist. I could only share what I have learned.
   
    As things come to mind…I’ll share more in this area of thinking.

What is the Role of the Church Pianist?

Part One of this article is more of an introduction.

Part two will contain more specific information regarding the role of the church pianist.

Good question!  The role of the church pianist
varies from church to church.

Before I share some thoughts with you….I’ll
explain our church…so you can understand where
I’m coming from.

Our church is a small country church nestled in
the foothills of North Carolina.

The people are very friendly and family-oriented.

Most of the members have lived in the area
their entire life.

What I’m trying to say is….the needs of the church
determines the criteria for the church pianist.

In some churches, the church pianist may be the
only music person available. In this case, the
pianist may have to lead the congregation and choir
in song while playing the piano. What a challenge!
I know at least one of my readers has that situation.
I admire her for her efforts.

At other churches, the pianist may serve the role as
pianist only. (That’s my role).

Whether you’re the main music person or just filling
the role as church pianist…the following tips will
hopefully encourage and direct you as you serve in
the music ministry.

These are things that have personally helped me in my
way of thinking towards serving in the music ministry.

1. I’m a servant..serving the Lord.

2. Not to think of myself above others; no comparsion.
   Every church member is of equal importance to God.

3. Love my church family

   The following are natural outcomes of point #3….

4. Support and encourage those in the music ministry.
     Example: “Your song was a blessing.” or…
     “Thanks for being willing to sing.”

5. Pray for those in the music ministry

6. Always communicate in love

7. Use constructive guidance as needed
     (This can occur only after building a trusting relationship.)
     This applies if the person or persons you’re accompanying
     are seeking helpful pointers.

Please understand…these are just a few ideas that have helped to create

a proper mindset in me as church pianist.

Each church is different as far as their needs. Just ask God for
wisdom as you seek to serve Him where He has placed you.

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’m looking forward to part two of:  What is the Role of the Church Pianist?

Some of the  following issues will be covered:

*The relationship between  the song leader and church pianist.  (Who’s in charge?)

*Job description of the church pianist (What’s expected of me?)

*Developing  the Special Music Program (How the church pianist can help grow the special music program)

I can’t wait to share these ideas with you in full detail. 

After reading this article, you may come up with your own ideas of ways to become more effective as

church pianist.  Above all else, may God receive the glory of our efforts as we seek to serve Him.

Here’s a video I posted on youtube.

 One of my students and I are playing a piano
duo of Amazing Grace.

I wrote his part as a piano solo and then I just
accompanied him.

We played this piano duo at our spring recital last year.

I guess you can tell that Amazing Grace is one of my
favorite hymns.

Youtube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWGb2fgQj_8

Nothing but the blood of Jesus has a wonderful

message. I try to bring the text to life by

improvising with a lively accompaniment.

Do you realize that this hymn uses only two chords?

The I and V….meaning….G and D chord.

If the congregation sings parts…I have to use the

written chords to agree with the voice parts.

Editor notes for “Nothing but the Blood”

Verse One

Right hand: Plays three to four notes for fullness

Left hand: Uses stepping down octaves for a march-like tone

Verse Two

Right hand: Adds an eighth note rhythm for livelier sound

Left hand: Consists of alternating bass note movement

to avoid a montone effect.

Verse Four

Right hand: Adds a little change; especially in the last measure

Left hand: Same pattern as verse one but in eighth note pattern.

 Click to print:  Nothing_but_the_Blood

 Try applying these same accompaniment ideas

to a similar hymn — “A Shelter in the Time of Storm”