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

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

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/

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