Saturday, July 25th, 2009
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.
Tags: church pianist, role of the church pianist
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