Tips for Accompanying a Vocal Solo
There are certain songs that are a challenge for the church pianist to accompany. “Down From His Glory” is one of those songs!
In the video below, Duane Ream and Faye Lopez share some of their insight on accompanying the vocal soloist for “Down From His Glory”.
The following video excerpt came from last year’s Hymn Playing Master Class workshop at the annual Wild’s Music Conference. Please excuse the shaky quality of the video. I didn’t have a tripod available.
I want to thank the pianist for granting me permission to share this video excerpt. He did a great job with his impromptu accompaniment; providing others with an opportunity to learn more about accompanying a vocal solo.
This video was taken during the “critique” session of the class when someone would volunteer to play either a piano solo, prelude style piece or accompaniment style.
Duane Ream, one of the workshop leaders, also volunteered to sing…making it easier for the volunteer pianist to share his accompaniment style. *Please note that Duane sang an octave lower on purpose for the chorus… since it was out of his vocal range 🙂 At least he was willing to help the pianist 🙂
I’ve thought about providing a couple visual examples of the accompaniment patterns Faye was trying to convey to the pianist. Keep in mind…they wouldn’t be note for note what she played but I could produce something very similar. Who would be interested?
Tags: accompaniment, accompanying, accompanying a vocal solo, church pianist, piano accompaniment, Wilds music conference
I would be interested in some visual examples of the accompaniment style in the video. Thanks for posting.
I am interested. Enjoy learning new styles, better accompanying, etc.
I would love to see what you could put together. I feel like such a beginner when I hear music like this and anything that would help would be greatly appreciated.
This video was really helpful! Thank you so much for sharing it. I’d also be interested in seeing some visual examples.
I am very interested… It is easier for me to play by sight then by ear. Thanks again for helping others! God bless you.
I would be interested in the visual examples. I have thoroughly enjoyed these videos.
I would be interested. This is something I’ve been looking for … to be able to play an accompaniment like Faye.
I would definitely be interested. Accompanying is definitely my stronger suite and I can always use improvement. Infact, I would love it if you could publish an arrangement of “Down From His Glory” for voice and piano accompaniment. I’ve been looking for one for a while.
I haven’t had time to watch the video yet, but I’m sure I would be interested!
[…] this particular video, Faye Lopez shared several tips for dressing up the accompaniment such as adding right hand echos […]
Hi, thank you very much for sharing the video and especially the arrangement of Down From His Glory.
I’ve been singing this song for many years but only when I have a great accompanist who can improvise well enough. I have looked at published arrangements for O Sole Mio but they are absolutely wrong for these words. When I watched the video of Faye and Duane, I said, yes! These people understand this song.
I was seeking and I found your arrangement which looks like it should be nearly perfect.
I’d like to talk to you about some suggestions I have. Also, “I think” you meant 8vb rather than 8va when it appears in the Bass Cleff on pg1 and 3.
Thank You so much!
Dale