Most probably, you are thinking that learning the piano can be very difficult. After all, you must have heard that one should start young if he or she ever wanted to become good at playing this musical instrument. Well, even if you are already in your teens or adult years, you can still learn the piano. There are ways that can speed up your learning process to have you playing the instrument like a professional piano player. Below are some of the tried and tested formulas that will allow you to gain essential piano skills fast. Read on.

First, you need to develop your music listening skills. This is where learning the chords becomes important. With a good musical ear, you can learn how a particular note will sound and how it will fit if mixed with other notes to make music. You do not need to learn how to read a musical sheet, especially if you want to learn piano fast. A good way to know if you have developed your musical ear is when the pitch of a note on the piano sounds the same as your humming.

Next, always remember that learning the chords will be for naught if you do not practice using them. After you have learned all the major and minor chords, you can begin learning basic and intermediate pieces. When mastering the chords, it is a good idea that you start off with triad chords. Commit at least a couple of hours every day for piano practice. Along with mastering the chords, you can also start developing the flexibility of your fingers. So, make it a point to practice piano scales with one hand first, then with the other, and then with both hands together. Once you have improved the flexibility of your fingering skills, you can play more advanced piano songs with relative ease.

Finally, you need to get good piano tutorials. These can help you practice notes and provide you with a step-by-step plan on how to advance your skills. In other words, finding a good tutor or video tutorial can greatly bring down the learning curve in piano lessons. With enough dedication and practice, you will be able to play gospel piano like a professional. When that time arrives, you will surely add more delight to churchgoers and more reasons for fellow members of your church to attend services religiously.

Benoit is a Passionate Piano Tutor who’s life mission is to share the great wonder of playing the piano to spread happiness to the world. For more information on Playing Piano Gospel, visit http://www.PianoTutorialSongs.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benoit_Gilbert

If you know how to play the piano already, you probably already know how different chords relate to each other. If you don’t play the piano, it doesn’t matter. You can learn to play. Just knowing how chords relate to each other is not enough. For instance instead of playing a basic C major chord, why not play a C in the bass (left hand) and play an E minor chord on your right hand. You can play a C major 7 chord if you want. I don’t like this chord. There is so much you can do on the piano. To play worship piano you should know not only basic chords but how to combine different chords to produce different sounds. This is one key to effectively play worship piano.

Another vital thing about worship piano is dynamics. By dynamics I mean when to play loud or soft. For some people this comes naturally. For others, you are going have to listen to worship music. To play worship piano you need to listen to worship music. It’s as simple as that. You need to learn when you are supposed to quiet down. Maybe someone may be talking and you don’t want to play over top of them. You also need to learn techniques to playing worship piano when playing louder. Remember there is always something you can still learn.

You don’t have to be extremely talented to play worship piano for your church. All need to do is work hard. Hard work is the answer. I’m not talking about playing the piano until you are sweating bullets and your fingers are cramping up. I just mean that you need to practice everyday. If you do, you will not only be able to play worship music but any other type of music you put your mind to.

Visit http://www.lifesmusic.com My name is Bryan and I’ve been playing the piano for over ten years. To learn to play the piano by ear go to http://www.lifesmusic.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Smitty

It may be that the silence of the broken pipe organ gave Reverend Joseph Mohr the inspiration to write the lyrics to “Silent Night” in 1818. In that moment, he likely was driven by anxiety rather than enthusiasm.

When Father Mohr made plans for Christmas Eve Mass at his church in Obernorf, a little Austrian town, somebody noticed that the church’s old organ was not working. There were only a few days left before Christmas, and the nearest repairman was many miles away. It seemed as if Christmas Mass would have to be held without music.

With great sorrow that his Christmas plans had been destroyed, Fr. Mohr decided to take another course of action. He did this while still performing his usual parish duties, even during the baptism of a new baby. While making this specific visit, the lyrics to “Stille Nacht”, or as we know it, “Silent Night,” came suddenly to Fr. Mohr. He did not want to forget the words that had quickly popped into his head, so he ended his call and rushed home.

When he arrived home, he quickly committed his thoughts to paper. Translated into English, the resulting four stanzas read:

Silent Night, Holy night,
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon’ virgin, Mother and child,
Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in Heavenly peace.

Once he had put his words down on paper, Mohr got in touch with Franz Gruber. Herr Gruber, who trained the parish choir, was a colleague and a musician. Mohr managed to find out that Gruber could play the guitar, as well as the organ. Gruber told Mohr that he was not a proficient guitar player. However, Mohr was determined, and he gave Gruber the words to the new poem he wrote. Mohr and Gruber found a dusty old guitar and got to work writing the song that provided music for Oberndorf’s Christmas Mass.

It was improbable that either Mohr or Gruber had any idea that they would leave such an indelible mark on our history. The song eventually faded into obscurity for a over a decade. After this, the Strasser family from Zillertal Valley somehow got possession of the song, “Silent Night”.

The Strasser’s four children were trained in music, and they used their talents to attract customers to their family’s glove business. They spent many hours standing on the walk outside singing to draw in customers. Someone handed the Strassers the music for Silent Night, just like a talent agent might discover new talent in some obscure location. The song was rewritten from two-part harmony to four-part harmony and the Strasser children because famous immediately with their version. When the Strasser children sang “Silent Night,” they sounded like a choir of angels. That is why the valley residents began calling it “The Song From Heaven”. Their vocalizations were so lovely, the Strassers were asked to present their music to the kings and queens.

It might have been a king who turned “Silent Night” into a Christian mainstay. The Prussian king, Frederick William IV heard “Silent Night” some 22 years after the Strasser children began performing it as “The Song from Heaven.” When he heard it, he said that it should be sung first in all Christmas concerts given for the rest of the time that he sat on the throne. We don’t know if this actually came to pass. What we do know is that “Silent Night” was not just King Frederick’s favorite, it soon became a beloved Christmas fixture worldwide.

A free email newsletter on exciting piano chords and chord progressions from Duane Shinn is available free at Silent Night

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Shinn

God has given us talents to sing his praises and playing guitar for the church is one of the greatest ways to glorify God. There are several well known duets, solo artists and even bands that go from church to church playing gospel music for God’s glory. You too can learn guitar for god praising.

I’ve had the honor of playing in a band while singing in a few churches and I know there’s no greater feeling than to be blessed with the knowledge that you had blessed others with your music. Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or you’re just starting out, God will inspire you to play guitar for worship. By asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart, you would have made a commitment to bless others. This would make one start to appreciate the life that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself for in a different light.

In modern days, several churches have their own sounds systems built in with microphones and amplifiers. The acoustics are pretty amazing in the sanctuary of the church and provide a rich and clear sound. One important tip is that you should choose the most appropriate songs that will bless the majority of people in your congregation. Another tip is to make sure you pick songs you will be the comfortable playing and singing at the same time.

Practice and learn everything you can about playing the guitar and the different major guitar chords. You can play several church gospel hymns with only three guitar chords and a few gospel songs with as little as two guitar chords. Once you learned the basic chord progressions of songs, you should then practice those songs over and over to make them perfect. Finally, be sure to record yourself and listen to the recordings for any improvements that need to be made. This will help you polish up your skills in playing worship guitar. Have lots of fun while you learn guitar for praise!

Find Out More About Learn Church Guitar? Get Professional Lessons On How to Play Guitar Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Gian

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.

The following ideas 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 comparison. 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 remind me of my role 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.

Jenifer Cook has been a church pianist for the past 35 years. She has published arrangements through Soundforth and composes for her own piano students.

Her website is a help ministry to church pianists around the world; offering numerous improvising tips and free piano arrangements.

Part two of this article will include some of the following issues:

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)

Article Source: http://thechurchpianist.com/church-pianist/what-is-the-role-of-church-pianist-part-two/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenifer_Cook

Learning guitar lessons from church songs for your own musical talent addition is a positive measurable sign of personal dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ. Developing your own worship capabilities for display, perhaps to other church members during service. The holiday season will grow in important meaning to you and your family by learning church guitar lessons.

These lesson can be shared, in the privacy of your home, if you so desire. The joyous singing and playing of the guitar will be the absolute perfect tribute and proof of your families love, respect and adoration to Our Savior Jesus Christ. This musical tribute learned from church guitar lessons can be performed and shared any time of year or for the holidays.

If you enjoy the enriching attitude and respect gained from others learning church guitar lessons, there may be more to do. One of the responsibilities shared by church participants is the responsibility to spread the words of Christianity. Explaining the purposes and reasons of Lord Jesus Christ’s decision to sacrifice His life for our existence. The church guitar lessons give all that unselfishly choose to learn guitar music, the ultimate vehicle to fulfill this purpose.

Many songs have been written for the musical instrument guitar. There may be others that are within the church that can compliment your guitar playing after your lessons are complete. Everyone is equal in the eyes of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Especially those that act in the benevolent attitude of learning to perform within the desire of offering their own personal gifts of service to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This is done with the musical guitar church lessons rendition and benevolent exhibition. It is this attitude of giving that creates favor in His view upon us. Learning church guitar lessons in the company of church members is the greatest and largest gift that a person can give. Have the Christian solitude added to your individual household worship abilities and loyal tributes as you affirm Jesus in your household, by learning church guitar lessons.

Find Out More About Church Guitar Lessons? Get Professional Lessons On How to Play Guitar Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Gian

Several types of Chorale Church Music exist. Specific notice is deserved to the ancient-Roman songs of the VII-VIII centuries. Information from the Lorana Institute and Greek research into choral traditions of L. Anhelopulocs show a united modal, rhythmic and ornamental basis. These actual chants were placed into the foundation of Gregorian chorals until the VIII-IX centuries until the systematic Gregorian eight-toned foundational singing arose. In the East this process ceased a century earlier (Eight Tones of St. John Damascene), in time the Gregorian chorale became the basis of all European professional music and its rightful name should be “The Musical Teacher of Europe”.

In the “Liturgy of Peace” the Greek Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in the Church-Slavonic language is “dressed “by the author in the melodies of ancient Gregorian chorals with minimal adaptation of harmonious methods. That way, and through the one thousand year old alienation of Church culture the “Liturgy of Peace” creates a musical synthesis of both cultures: firstly, and again the meeting of western and eastern liturgical traditions. After more than three centuries of domination of eastern Slavonic Divine Liturgies in its concert style of music, the “Liturgy of Peace” is received and accepted as something un-expected. Its uplifting “awakening -angelic” and lulling intonations carry peace and harmony, giving birth to passion, as though uniting us with the Kingdom of Heaven. That is why it is no coincidence that it is titled: “Litany of Peace”, “Angelic”. “Liturgy of Peace” is the spiritual fruit of many years of reflection and the seekings of Archbishop Ionafan as to the way to Universal Peace, which is so necessary today in our uncertain lives.

The author dedicates the “Liturgy of Peace” to the eternal memory of his spiritual guardian Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) the eminent religious champion and upholder of Christian unity and Peace.

Archbishop Ionafan (Anatolij Ivanovych Yeletskyh) was born in Russia on the 30th January 1949 in the Voronezkij oblast (now Bilhorodska). In 1976 he graduated from the Leningrad Theological Academy (now St. Petersburg) attaining the learned level of Candidate of Theological Learning. Simultaneously, he studied choral directorship at the Theological Academy under the tutorage and in the classes of N.D.Uspenskij, a famous music expert and doctor of Theology and liturgical historian. For ten years Archbishop Ionafan lectured at the Theological Academy and within the department of Choral Directorship where he directed the student choir in the seminary church. In 1986 and prior to 1,000 years of Christianity of Kyivan Rus, and under the directorship of the then Hieromonk Ionafan (Yeletskyh) the student choir of the Leningrad In 1988 Archbishop Ionafan – the then Vicar of the Kyiv Pechersk monastery of the Caves in its God-serving rites revived the traditions of monastic singing.

The musical activity of Archbishop lonafan supplements the multifarious foundational recovery, restoration and deciphering of ancient-Ukrainian church melodies of the XVI century, the epoch of its ancient methods being the priceless spiritual inheritance of a great Slavonic culture. The Lyturgy was first performed and  recorded by Kyiv Chamber Choir.

About the Author

Origen Music

Because of the different influences that the youth are exposed into, they are easily acquiring the curiosity of engaging into learning music. It may not exactly be reading musical notes and the other formal stuff regarding such, but at least, something highly relevant to it like playing musical instruments or simply singing.

Before, people, specially the youth, viewed Music, a subject in their primary and secondary schooling, as a conservative and boring one. With lots of different bits and pieces that should be memorized and understood without knowing their use and purpose, music then had been a vague and dull form of school activity to do.

Perhaps, the reason is that they relate music with “church” where they usually hear the hymns and praises when they were kids. They thought music should be solemnly expressed all the time.

As these young people aged up, they began to realize how interesting music could be far from what they used to perceive. From all the different genres and styles, they found a match. I am truly glad to say that finally, they are now fascinated with music learning as well as music teaching.

Many are aware that music centers began to spring suddenly nowadays. People look for formal lessons and their aim is, of course, to learn music. They also want to develop the talents they believe they are blessed with.

Music teaching is definitely an issue when talking about learning music. Aside from being considered as something pretty difficult and tedious, many believe that it requires lots of effort, patience, and passion in doing so.

However, with the kinds of trends, technology and methods that we have right now, music teaching has become less complicated. Indeed, different resources and tools are made readily available to be an aid to anyone who has interests in music teaching. It may be through various means like seeking the help and guidance of music enthusiasts and experts, enrolling in various learning centers, reading music-related books, availing advanced music gadgets, or browsing the web.

Music teaching has been both the career and passion of many musically inclined individuals around the globe. Thus, schools of music spring forth worldwide, paving the way for music enthusiasts for greater opportunities globally. That is how powerful music and music teaching can be.

About the Author

Music Teacher

As an organ lover and someone who enjoys singing, I do love Church Music, You know hymns and carols. It is very easy to shut your eyes and imagine singing the hymn as you play (And yes, I often play with my eyes shut. I will cover that in the near future).

The organ with its wealth of Flutes or Tibias, is the one instrument that can add much variance to the melodies of the music of the church. Use of Reverb, Chorus/ Chorale/ Lesle Speaker/ Tremelo, with fast or slow speeds can bring life to the music as you play. Sustain, and a really deep Bass Pedal sound also fills it out nicely.

The dynamics of expression pedal use can change a quite opening to a crescendo by the finish or lower the volume of a verse for example in, Oh Little Town Of Bethlehem, where we sing “How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given”.

If you need to add a little bit of, Church Singers, Folk Singer  or Gospel, style to it, then it is so much easier on your modern compact instrument, than trying to do that from the original huge, Church Pipe organ.

My own favourite hymn, is  “The Lord’s My Shepherd.” The current video is a straight Camera Recording, and not directly through the computer, but I am sure that you will make allowances for the lower sound quality as The Canon Video Camera struggles with the 300 watt Multi Speakered Technics GX5 Organ.

Do not be afraid of playing church music in your own way, as that is how you develop style. Never forget that “Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory” is also “John Browns Body”, and I”I Vow To Thee My Country” is also “Jupiter” from the “Planet Suite” by Gustav Holtz.

More articles soon -

Bye for now,
Robin

Robin Melling loves to help people and by using his knowledge of family life, teaching, design, sales, writing, entertainment, music, disaster management and voluntary work. For his personal music performances and further help, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/2009RobinC where he also welcomes requests for pieces of music you would like him to play.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_Melling

It was during the Medieval Period that the first church dramas began to appear. As Richard Courtney, famous drama teacher and theatre scholar, pointed out that the Mass itself of course has the seeds of drama – chanted dialogue and a theme of action, but not the essential quality of impersonation.

Impersonation began with the trope sung during the night before Easter. A trope was an extra chant written to accompany church music on special occasions. In the Mass, the trope had been sung by the choir. When repositioned, it became a separate little scene performed at Matins on Easter morning; much like a tiny opera, three people impersonated the Marys and one the angel before an improvised sepulchre.

Eventually, the small-scale tropes evolved into more complex dramatizations of Easter and Christmas stories. The Bible stories were enacted in the church by priests. As these plays achieved a wide popularity, the dramas began to be written in the vernacular and performed outside the church proper, although still on the church grounds.

Through this linguistic and spacial separation, the church dramas became more secularized. Eventually, the audio dramas were produced and performed by laypersons, guild members who would enact cycles of miracle plays based upon biblical stores and the lives of the saints. These plays included many secular and temporal elements of farce and mime that appealed to the medieval audiences.

Given this story, it is no wonder that the Catholic (and other sects) Church continues to be a most natural environment for drama and theatre. During the 1950s and the 1960s, at the beginnings of the Off-Broadway avant-grade movement in New York City, several churches provided homes for gifted theatre artists.

Listen to free audio books and audio books.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnn_Foy