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.

Do you leave your church with no pianist when you go out of town?

Our church has two pianists….me and another lady. Occassionally, we’re

both out of town at the same time.

For some reason, our church doesn’t want to sing acapella….I think they’re

a little spoiled:)

Our church has a digital piano (Kawaii CP 155). It has recording capability to floppy disks.

I simply record music ahead of time on this piano for the congregational singing,
choir numbers, offertories and invitational songs. (each category on a separate disk).

I understand that not every church pianist has this convenience but may consider using
this idea if you have a digital piano.

So…try recording some music in advance if able for the next time your church is without a pianist.

  

Classical Music….a help or hindrance to the  church pianist?

A good question!

The answer is “Yes”…..classical music greatly benefits the church pianist!

How?

Advantages of being exposed to classical music:

*Conditions the ear for well-structured melodies and rhythm.

*Strengthens the fingers

*Demands a need for structured fingering which carries over into proper fingering for hymn arrangements.

*Introduces the pianist to scales and other rhythmic patterns in music that can be incorporated into the
  hymns as well.

*Last but not least….classical music demands disciplinein the areas of technique and interpretation for the
  best results.

Although classical music is vital to all pianists, the church pianist needs a balance of both: classical and hymn training.

I’m thankful for the teachers God provided for me in my early years of training.

I learned alot of improvising by just listening to the different teachers over the years. They also taught me ‘one on one’ how
to add runs and fill-ins. Most importantly, they taught me the theory to back up their training.

I just posted a video on youtube playing a medley
of “Amazing Grace”.

For offertory, I’ll sometimes just play a hymn and tag on a
chorus or verse/chorus of a song with a similar theme.

Click on the link below to hear the “Amazing Grace” medley.

(Maybe it could help give you ideas
for doing one of your own.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94ATDkkMgus