The Church Pianist: How Many Years Have You Taken Piano?
One of my piano students asked me today how long I had taken piano. She was surprised to hear me say…only six (accumulative) years. I had a total of about six different piano teachers in that time frame. I thank the Lord for each one of them.
As I mentioned on my “about” page…the turning point for my hymnplaying occured for me in fifth grade. My piano teacher at the time, showed me how to double the bass in the left hand and add the tenor note to the right hand. (referring to playing from a church hymnal).
In eighth grade, another piano teacher taught me how to improvise hymns by demonstration. I would listen to her play in church and then go home and try to copy what I heard. I loved her style so much that I just worked hard to play like her. I’m so thankful the Lord led her my way.
The Lord called my piano teacher and her husband to another ministry two years later. In 10th grade, the Lord led another wonderful piano teacher my way. She strenghthened me in the area of technique by assigning me classical music. I noticed such a difference! My finger strength increased; allowing me to move through busy note passages with greater ease. The most favorite thing she taught me was how to add runs to hymns. What a difference it can make to add even one “run” toward the end of a hymn. I will have to share some “runs” with you in another article.
I know six years really wasn’t a long time to take piano lessons. But….what made the difference for me was having a reason “to practice”. I was thrust into the position of “church pianist” in fifth grade. Now…that was motivation! I began practicing every choir arrangement I could get my hands on.
I’m sure other church pianists have had similar situations where they had to fill the role of church pianist… and just learn as they went. Keep it up! God will honor your efforts 🙂
I began my “music ministry” by playing the piano at skid row (rescue) missions in northern Illinois in the early 1960s. I was a freshman in High School at that time. I even played the piano at the Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. That is the Mission, made famous world wide, through the long running radio program “Unshackled”.
I am grateful for all the opportunities to play in church, especially since my dear wife, Louise, is my partner in this music ministry. Louise is a better pianist, so I have switched to playing the organ.
I still remember, with much gratitude, my one and only piano teacher (Miss G. Wright). We stayed in touch for many years. What a wonderful lifelong gift she gave to me through her amazing patience and perseverance.
What a meaningful way to have started your “music ministry”! Wow…to have played at the Pacific Garden Mission. I enjoy listening to “Unshackled”
I appreciate so much the both of you. You all are such an encouragement to my music ministry.