I arranged “Jesus Loves Even Me” with a teacher/student scenario in mind which worked well for this Grandma & grand daughter team. This was their first time to play together. Exciting!  (To be published hopefully by this weekend…August 4, 2018)

Pastor’s Mom and youngest daughter, Debra Bixler and Allissa Bixler played for the offertory this past Sunday morning.

It’s a joy to see family take part in the music ministry of the church!

Ever have a hard time trying to figure out what to use for an interlude between verses when accompanying a vocalist or other small ensemble?

Here’s just one interlude method I use to help the soloist find his way back to the next verse…

While looking for patriotic music to listen to on youtube…I happened across the song “Tramp Tramp Tramp”that sounded just like “Jesus Loves the Little Children”.

I immediately looked up the origin of “Jesus Loves the Little Children” and I discovered the following story:

Hymn Reflection : Jesus Loves the Little Children

Watch this cute video of boy leading “Jesus Loves the Little Children”

Having a blast at the annual Composer’s Symposium presented by The Martin Institute and Martin Creative Services.

I’m learning SO much about choral writing and music writing in general!

Meet our panel of wisdom! (The majority of this group will be critiquing me Thursday, June 13th, 2018 for Master Class)

Left to right: Joel Rainey, Joseph Martin, Brad Nix, David Schwoebel, Robert Sterling and Steve Bock.

Reece Yandle, my Dad, wrote “This is America” a patriotic vocal solo, about twenty-five years ago and I just re-discovered it on one of my recent visits to my parent’s house.

I told Dad he HAD to get this one published!

I will try to provide at least a sample video of “This is America” asap.

This beautiful patriotic anthem speaks of our loyalty to America and reminds us that God gave us America and how we need to keep her free!

Click on title to view sample page and audio:  This is America

Dad also has another Patriotic vocal solo available entitled “In God We Trust.” The words of this tasteful melody reminds us to trust in God no matter what comes our way. View sample page and audio:  In God We Trust

Adding finishing touches to my Dad’s patriotic solo entitled “This is America”.

Hopefully, I will publish this arrangement by this evening.

Easy Six Beat Note Fill In!

Sharing one of my favorite fill ins for pianists!

Use this fill in for hymns in 3/4, 9/4, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8

Where to use? On a melody note lasting 6 beats.

How to use? Determine what chord is being used during the six count note.

Left hand plays single bass note in lower register of keyboard on 1st beat and plays a chord on fourth beat.

Right hand enters on beats two through beat six.

Tip: To prevent disorientation….notice the melody note you’re heading to after the fill-in.

Apply to hymns of like nature using the time signatures listed above.

Below…is a video demonstrating the four examples from video above.

I’m feverishly trying to finish my early intermediate  sacred piano solo book for Lorenz. It’s due June 1st. I’m working on the ninth one now.  The book will contain a total of ten piano solos.

Here are some of the song titles:  What a Friend We Have in Jesus, His Eye is on the Sparrow, Jesus What a Friend for Sinners, All the Way My Savior Leads Me and Crown Him with Many Crowns.

I’m also currently working on my next website video tutorial to present a certain fill-in that I LOVE to use!

In my spare time….I need to unveil a nice patriotic vocal solo by my Dad….hope to publish asap!

Need your help! Just need names of at least two hymns that use a 12/8 time signature. Thanks!

I confess, I played an impromptu offertory  from the hymnal last night.  Actually, if truth be told, I play simple offertories most of the time.

(We also attend a small country church where “simple” is best 🙂

The older I get….the more simple I become 🙂  (You young ones may understand this later on in life).

I do enjoy playing a nice well thought out arrangement but it’s nice to return to a less crowded piece as well.

In my younger years, I played ONLY pre-made arrangements with LOTS of frills. (We were also in a larger church at the time).

Now…I find it soothing to play a hymn in a less busy style….allowing me to focus more on the message of the song.

Of course, what may seem simple to me may sound fancy to someone else since I do incorporate runs as the need arises 😉

Just curious… what do you play for offertories the most…full-fledged arrangements….simple arrangements…..or a little of both?

Need piano offertory ideas for When I Survey? I just shared a few tips with a skype student yesterday that may be helpful for other church pianists.

Keep in mind this lesson is geared to the early intermediate student but the tips are applicable to all levels of church pianists.