Because of the role music plays in the church service, the offertory must be selected with care. Think about where the solo will occur in the order of worship. Are you following a lively choral anthem that will lead right into the congregational worship? Will the offering follow a generally somber prayer for the needs of the congregants? If you find yourself in a church without a strong liturgical tradition as I do, the positioning of the offertory may be altered weekly. There are few scenarios worse than a grandiose arrangement that follows a quiet time of meditation. Without advance thought and planning, you can sometimes find yourself in an awkward situation.

Additionally, it is important to think about your congregation. An uber-contemporary church may not respond to a classical setting of your favorite hymn. In contrast, the latest praise and worship chorus is probably not the best option for a high liturgical service. Most of us probably find ourselves somewhere in the middle of these two extremes – in what is commonly referred to as a blended service. In these settings, the choices become more difficult and more exciting as well. How often have you tried to find a great arrangement that blends a contemporary chorus with a traditional hymn without giving the impression that one of the pieces is more important or, worse still, more holy? There are a few arrangers today who are doing just these type of settings, but they are few and far between, generally demanding extreme technical facility as well.

More often, I find myself looking for arrangements of hymns that are approached with harmonic and rhythmic freshness. My current congregation is a multi-generational group with eclectic tastes in music. I have quickly accepted the fact that I will never please everyone present with my selections. Because I have so many preferences in my congregation, I get to explore some unusual settings. Some of our favorites are jazz settings of hymns such as Leaning on the Everlasting Arms and a complex harmonic treatment of Great is Thy Faithfulness. I didn’t begin using these unusual arrangements immediately though; just as with all other areas of ministry, as the congregation develops trust in you as a music minister (for that is what every church pianist should strive to be), they will also extend that trust to your musical selectivity.

Here are a few closing thoughts on making your weekly offertory a highlight of the weekly service for those that you serve.

Select pieces weekly in an attitude of prayer. All too often we forget that our solo will be a part of the worship service. We can simply choose to provide pretty background music while the important activity of collecting the congregation’s cash is performed. I think the better decision – and the one for which we strive – is to play music that is anointed by the Holy Spirit to aid those who are hearing as they worship in the act of giving.

Always have a few selections that you can fall back on. We’ve all been in the situation where the week got too hectic and our preparation time suffered. Perhaps the scheduled soloist became ill at the last minute, making the planned offertory less than desirable. Having a few selections in your back pocket gives you some flexibility whenever the need arises to make a last minute substitution. Use them sparingly though or they will become part of the normal rotation and you’ll find yourself in need of some new fall-backs.

Don’t sacrifice beauty for showmanship. Have you ever listened to a church pianist play a solo only to later ask “What WAS that song?” The arpeggios are beautiful and the tricky scale passages are impressive, but if they get in the way of the music’s message, we’re taking the focus off of the One we are to worship and shining the spotlight directly on ourselves. (Ouch…is anyone else feeling the sting of those toes that were just stepped on?)

NEVER attempt to play beyond your technical abilities! As a musician, I am all for stretching myself and continuously developing my technique. The worship service is not a practice hall, though. Just as bad as shining the spotlight on how beautifully we play is presenting a glaring example of an ill-prepared solo as part of a worship service. I am not in competition with the pianist at the church across the street, so I don’t have to attempt to play as beautifully as she does. I just have to bring my musical offering to the Heavenly Father each week as a loving sacrifice that brings Him honor and my worship. When we try out that new arrangement that is just a bit too difficult (or – Heaven forbid – completely beyond our skills) we risk interrupting the flow of the service and distracting the congregation from their worship.

Always play for the Audience of One. This is the last point on my list because I believe it is the most important one. All that I am as a Christian, a musician, and a person is because of Jesus. It is a wonderful feeling to have an audience respond to beautiful playing with appreciative applause – and, let me add, there is nothing wrong with receiving these accolades! Scripture teaches us to give honor to whom it is due. More than anything though, I want the applause of Heaven that comes as I play for the audience of One – the One who gave His all that I might have life. He is the source of the music and our constant goal should be that our music bring attention only to His grace, mercy, and greatness.

Do I get tired of trying to find a new piece each week? Of course! Like everyone else, I have a core set of arrangements that I rotate through. But the blessing of sharing my gift with God’s people outweighs the long rehearsals. Occasionally, God opens doors because of our obedience as well. A few years ago, the congregation provided an opportunity to professionally record some of my favorite arrangements. In July, I will have the chance to sit down in the studio again and record two new CDs – one for Christmas, the other songs of praise and thanks.

Happy playing!
Kennith

A graduate of the University of Memphis (M.M. and D.M.A.) and Pepperdine University (B.A.), Dr. Kennith Freeman is an active pianist. A native Arkansan, Freeman is currently a member of two chamber ensembles: the Cox-Freeman Duo and the 3-D Trio. In addition to his performing schedule, Dr. Freeman is a member of the music faculty at Mid-South Community College in West Memphis and serve as Director of Music and Children’s Ministries at Abundant Grace Ministries in Collierville, Tennessee. Follow his thoughts about all aspects of collaborative piano and church music at http://freemanpiano.blogspot.com/

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

1) Practice the piano and more preferably the songs you will be playing early in the week and often.

2) Sing while you play so you can have a feel for how well your playing will mesh with the singing.

3) If you use sheet music make sure it is organized and ready to go. Write up your introductions and endings or make sure the ones you have used before are the ones you will want to use this time.

4) If you are accompanying a soloist make sure you set aside good time to practice.

5) If you are still working on your craft then make sure you are studying your piano lessons and practicing those in ADDITION TO practicing your Sunday songs. Don’t stagnate. Add to your skills. Learn new songs or new ways of playing old favorites.

6) If you are the worship planner also a nice resource to have is an index that lists songs by scripture,by topic, and by key.

7) Don’t give up because you don’t have a piano. A keyboard will keep you going until the Lord sees fit to bless you with a piano. Truly. This happened to me.

Do you want to play in a particular style? You could just purchase music that is arranged in the style you want to play. But an easier option is to learn what specific notes or chords are making that special sound.

Use these ideas for how you can keep yourself together so come Sunday morning you can concentrate on making a joyful noise for the Lord!

See more ideas for a beginning church pianist in my book The Struggling Church Pianist

K Quinn is a church pianist. Visit her website and download some free musician tools at…
http://www.strugglingchurchmusician.us

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

If you get an opportunity to play piano for your church or any church, remember who is giving you the chance to play in the first place. It’s not by accident that you are in the position that you’re in. I’ve seen to many pianists who play for the church thinking they are the best piano players that ever graced the face of the earth. Eventually they are brought back down to earth, hard. They no longer play the piano for anyone and they wish they had their position back. Pride comes before the fall. It’s true. God can put anyone who is willing and has the right heart in place of you if you are not humble. I tell you this because I don’t want you mess things up for yourself. Even if you are brand new to the piano, keep what I have said in the back of your mind.

Never think that you are at a concert performing. People may cheer or clap and you might feel like your putting on a show. You’re not in show business when your playing worship piano for the church. You are there only to benefit the body and glorify God. I said that twice because you have to know this. Of course you can have fun with songs. You can ad your own musical spin to songs but don’t be self centered. If the worship leader wants a certain thing played, don’t argue with them. If you are the worship leader, be sensitive to what God wants you to play. Yes, God speaks through his Holy Spirit. If you feel strongly about something you don’t always have to make it known. Sometimes you may have to play song that you don’t particularly like. If found that these things have built character, improved my piano playing and even helped my have a deeper relationship with God.

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

Now that your arms and legs are flying in all directions, the pressure is on and although you are working very hard at every opportunity, you are still finding it difficult to keep up with the requirements of the job.

So what do you do next – how can you make the transition to the organ, keep your sanity and still give a good account of yourself on a Sunday?

When I first started to play the organ at church, my biggest worry was that I would make myself look stupid. Surrounded by people who would tell me how brilliant the organist was in the church down the road, and how if they had a bit more time, would take on the job themselves, I thought I was playing to a congregation of retired organists!

After a time, I realized that some people do tend to exaggerate and that I was the most eligible candidate for the job because I was the only person who could play the piano to any degree of proficiency. However, I also realized that I would only accomplish the transition from pianist to organist if I could play to my own expectation, which at the beginning was higher than was practical.

The first tip I would give to someone in a similar position is to play easy music well – not difficult music badly. People listening to organ music, or any music for that matter, cannot usually tell if the music is hard or easy to play, but most people do know if there are any mistakes. Playing easier pieces will also make the transition easier.

The next tip I would give is to learn to play the bass pedals. It may seem very difficult at first, but organ playing, especially hymn playing, becomes easier when the feet can contribute to the sound and you don’t have to rely solely on the hands and manuals. The pedals are often the most difficult hurdle when changing from piano to organ and it can feel like playing two instruments at the same time! Hymn playing is harmonic – based on chords – so if you can think of your feet as an extension of your hands so that your mind gets used to including the bass pedals in the chord structure, playing pedals in hymns should become a more natural process.

Lastly, be realistic about what is achievable, from yourself and the choir, and set yourself a practice schedule that you can stick to. Being too ambitious about the time you can give or the level of music you can play will probably result in disappointment. It is also encouragement that you need if you are to make the transition from pianist to church organist.

Nick Chenhall has been a musician and teacher for over thirty years and runs his own Reluctant Organist website with practical advice on how to survive the post.

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

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

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

This means that instead of relying solely on the music in front of your face you have beneath your skilled fingers and in your head fill in notes, other chords, and different chord progressions to bring about the sound that will portray the message of the song you are playing.

To do this you need to be most aware of certain parts of music theory and how it all fits together in the music you play. Yes there are some that play  skillfully by ear without knowing how to read a note of music but there are many more of us who need to read our notes, understand what we are doing with them and have a few lessons under our belt to be better pianists.

If you don’t know most hymnals are created for singers not pianists. The notes guide the different singers as to how high or low their voice is to be. This comes across as very dull and mundane when translated on the piano.

Enter Greg Howlett’s Inspirational Improvisation: A Nine Step Approach to Becoming a Versatile Church Pianist DVD Course.

A detailed straightforward nine lesson DVD program designed most particularly to help church pianists improvise hymns and Praise and Worship songs at the piano.

The lesson program includes

* 5 DVDs each containing one to two piano improvisation lessons.
* 1 Lesson Study Guide to follow along and takes notes of what is happening on your DVD player.

The best part of these piano lessons is that instead of just showing you how he improvises one song Greg uses nine detailed piano lessons to help you become more proficient at improvising your own songs.

In my years of attempting to improve my own piano playing for church (because we are always learning) this is an omission that I found increasingly frustrating and something that l was always looking for. The concrete steps and theory rules that guided me to work with those hymnal songs and change them from that of of the mundane to having more feeling and giving across the message of the song.

These piano lessons are not for beginners. Inspirational Improvisation is listed for intermediate to advanced pianists. You should have a grasp of basic music theory, know all your 12 major scales and be able to read and play both clefs (treble and bass, or F and G) of the grand staff.

Be prepared to spend some working time at the piano. At least 20 to 30 minutes a night. Each lesson should take you about a month to have a mastery of (I’m on week two and three and this is about right).

The improvisation skills you will learn with this DVD program are not limited to one particular style. The knowledge you will learn will allow you to add beautiful meaning and feeling to any song you play.

I’ve been enjoying my lessons for a little less than a month now and I have seen nice improvement in not only my playing but my ability to improvise the music I am playing. Not that I look for this because truly I attempt to blend into the background when playing at church but I have had some very positive comments too.

In my own experience the organized format of each lesson is almost as important and as helpful as the information itself.

In the study guide you get an overview of what you will learn in each lesson, any charts that are needed and your homework assignment.

The introduction of the study guide also repeats the information you will receive on the introduction of the DVD as to how to use this course, how long it will take you, what you will learn and how you will learn.

As a piano playing adult having these very organized and detailed piano lessons is a great bonus.

I have been willing to pay plenty of money for one day church music workshops with less than half of this information.

You can purchase Inspirational Improvisation: A Nine Step Approach to Becoming a Versatile Church Pianist directly from Greg Howlett’s website here

K Quinn has been a church pianist for 15+ years. Continually calling herself a struggling church musician you can visit her website at The Struggling Church Musician for more church musician tools and tips.

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