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Playing Skillfully

In my last article, Why Should I Learn an Instrument? I briefly referenced Psalm 33:3 where it says, “Play skillfully with a loud noise.” This verse has become an immense encouragement in my own journey of learning, teaching, and playing skillfully, and also helped me understand why we as Christian musicians should include classical studies in our preparation for ministry. (I touched briefly on this subject in the first goal of Thoroughly Equipping Music Students for Life, Part 1.)

We are counseled in Ecclesiastes 9:10 to do with all our might whatsoever our hands find to do. If “whatsoever” is a universal term then this counsel reaches into the realm of music education, as well as into other areas of life. And this is where I get almost passionately enthused with the sheer delight of music and all things teaching. Here is an admonition to do what we do, well. It’s almost as though I have just been given permission to do what I love, well, and I feel almost as excited as a ten-year-old who has just been commanded to spend chore time at the fish pond. 🙂

In a way, this subject of playing skillfully will serve as a sort of bridge spanning the gap between the behind-the-scenes pedagogical worldview and the up-front practicalities of making it happen. We’ve already established why we ought to put effort into studying. So what about the how?

Playing skillfully is challenging, no matter how you look at it. Even the most gifted musician you know would probably tell you that they had to work for the level they attained. In all truthfulness, it takes years to master an instrument. This fact leaves teachers with a task requiring painstaking attention to detail and just general attentiveness. Looking ahead to future articles, I hope to focus our discussions on various details that we ought to seek to develop in our students’ playing.

Teaching is such a delight – I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

 

If you found this article to informative, stimulating, helpful, or something else, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. I would love to hear from you! Additionally, I love using G. Schiermer editions of music for both my own study as well as for my students. Check out Sheet Music Plus’s amazing selection of G. Schirmer products!

G-Schirmer Sheet Music Plus G-Schirmer

 

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Why Should I Learn an Instrument?

Why should I learn an instrument? It’s a good question: perfectly legitimate. It begs an answer. Perhaps it’s a question that your students will never ask you. They may not, after all, be able to summon the courage to face their teacher and actually put their thoughts into words. But regardless, it’s a question that is probably surfacing in their minds multiple times a week, maybe even subconsciously.

Some students genuinely enjoy their instrument, but in keeping with the human need for purpose bigger than themselves, will find themselves asking. I know, because that’s my own personal experience. Why should I learn an instrument? Actually, it was more along the lines of, “Why do I put six or eight hours into practicing every week… it’s fun and pleasant, and I want to excel… but what makes this this important?”

Other students may be learning an instrument because it’s a goal their parents have for them, but really have no interest in it themselves. Still more are interested in it for a passing season but the pleasure evaporates after a few months when it’s time to sign up for participation on the local sports team. And so the question surfaces again, Why should I learn an instrument? Or, why should anyone learn an instrument?

I’m going to make the assumption that if you are a teacher reading this article then you have already searched out the answers to this question for yourself. My point in writing this is to help all of us remember what may be going on in our students’ lives and minds and thus be more prepared to help them wade through some of these muddy areas.

It is not imperative that every person in the world learn how to play an instrument or two or three, or that everyone who does play an instrument becomes the next J. S. Bach or Leopold Auer. What is imperative is that everyone love the Lord with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves. (Matthew 22:37-39) This means that if you play an instrument, you must do it first and foremost for the glory of the Lord, rather than for selfish fulfillment or vain glory. Also, that if you are learning at the expressed desire of your parents and/or authorities that you do all to the glory of God and submit to that authority. I believe this is the ultimate foundation for why anyone should put time into practicing and the pursuit of musical excellence (or excellence in any other area).

Now for general purposes, we will assume that your student and/or his parents have already made the decision to begin lessons, which is why you are working through these questions to begin with. How do we as teachers help our students find answers?

Because most students are not going to come right out and ask questions like this during lessons, it is wise to assume that the questions will come at some point “behind the scenes,” and then be working in advance to establish a biblical foundation in your students’ minds. Make a point during lessons to casually bring up the topic of why we do this. Take the time to explain what a privilege it is to be able to serve the Lord and others through music, and how we as musicians can be used both in and out of the church to point weary ones to the cross of Christ. I sometimes hesitate to talk a lot on any topic during lessons because of a preconceived notion that I am being paid to critique the students playing and technique, which I am. However, a teacher who ignores the foundation is not only undermining everything they are trying to pass on but is also setting the student up for quitting because if something doesn’t seem to be worth doing, then they will probably stop putting the effort into it. Once isn’t going to be enough to really solidify the reasoning behind this, so on a practical level, bring it into conversation frequently over a period of time. Not every lesson lends itself to long (or even short) discussions on such topics, but you as the teacher have the reins, so to speak, so I encourage you to keep this mindset present throughout your work.

I love to think of the verse “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds” (Proverbs 27:23). Although we are not talking about literal animals, anyone charged with the responsibility of leading anyone or anything else (as shepherds lead their sheep) would do well to heed this nugget of wisdom given to us by the wisest man who ever lived. Given this, we as teachers ought to strive to know where our students are in their journey of the “whys” behind music, and then to direct our lessons and conversations accordingly.

Now back to our original question, Why should I learn an instrument? There are myriad reasons and more than I can thoroughly enumerate here, but I will share two that come most prominently to mind:

  • So that you can more effectively be prepared to fulfill the command to “Sing unto the Him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise” (Psalm 33:3).
  • So you can minister to other believers (Colossians 3:16).

May you be blessed with wisdom, knowledge, and discernment to be able to lead your “flocks” in the righteous paths of our Lord and endeavor to redeem each moment with your students for the Kingdom!

 

P.S. Keep an eye out for the next article, titled “Playing Skillfully.”

 

Take a look at this beautiful collection of sacred piano solos by Dan Forrest for the intermediate pianist. These hymns are artistically arranged and reinforce common pianistic techniques.

Cover tiny file look inside Fairest Lord Jesus Intermediate piano solos. Composed by Dan Forrest. Sacred. SoundForth #215798. Published by SoundForth (S2.215798).

If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. Also, check out other articles on music pedagogy here.

 

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Teaching Music to Little Ones

One of the greatest joys is teaching music to little ones – the size person that sits on the piano bench and can barely reach the pedals, or whose violin measures an approximate 10.25 inches. I always find that these times gratify my love for adventure, and it is so rewarding to see the progress that such small children can make in a week’s time. There is so much potential in the minds of children. It’s a true joy to answer the phone and hear from the other end, “I would like to have my son/daughter start lessons.” “How old are they?” is usually one of the first questions I ask, and in reply I love to hear “almost 6,” or “just turned 4.” Often parents are unsure of whether or not their child is ready for music lessons at such an early age, and though sometimes it is probably true that some children would do better to wait a few more years, I love to start them young. The opportunities are so much greater when the mind and hands begin to be trained early in life.

But let’s get a little more practical for a while. Teaching anyone can be challenging, as delightful as it is. (Is there anything worth doing in life that isn’t preset with its own challenges?) Starting early isn’t going to eliminate all challenges, but it does exchange many of the actual intellectually-growing challenges for what I think of as practical challenges.

Practical challenges are things that you need to work through to help you reach the goal. The solutions to them are almost never ends in themselves, but that doesn’t reduce the need for solutions.

Some of the most prominent practical challenges I have faced while teaching music to little ones include:

  • Short attention spans
  • Abounding energy
  • Dramatic exhaustion

Though the list could probably go on, you have no-doubt observed that the three things mentioned above could all be connected in some way to the first one – short attention spans. There are also things to consider such as distractions from student siblings, the great outdoors visible from the windows, attractive books on the shelves in the home studio, and more.

It’s always fun to be creative and work through these challenges to keep the student engaged in what we’re trying to accomplish. Thirty minutes can be a long time for one of these little ones to sit or stand still. If you are teaching violin or another arm-held instrument, it can be even more difficult because little arms get tired quickly. Sometimes little things make a big difference in how smoothly the lesson goes, and here are some of my favorite go-to techniques for making the time pass in a productive and fun way.

  • Let them choose the color pen that you use to take notes. It gets them excited about starting the lesson.
  • 15-20 minutes through the lesson, play a game with the child by sending them running across the room, touching something that you specify, and then have them come running back to you. This burns energy, and as long as you are directing where they go, solidifies your authoritative position as teacher.
  • For students who are just “so tired,” let them set their instrument down (or take a break from sitting at the piano) while you take notes. Just a little break like this can go a long way.
  • While you are writing, ask them about their week. Let them talk about their favorite activity or what fun antics their pet has displayed.
  • Tell stories about your music learning journey, or about other things – what funny things have your pets done this week?

With any of these things, keep in mind that you are together for the purpose of learning, and after a minute or two of talking and playing, bring them back to focus gently and firmly. “Go ahead and play page __ now.” These little breaks can be repeated as often as needed, and you will {probably} gradually find that the student is maturing and diversions are not as necessary as they used to be.

Lastly, never forget: “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” –Mark 10:14

 

Check out these hymnbooks for beginning pianists by Dr. Peter Davis. We love these books and how they fit in so beautifully with the Keys for the Kingdom method series. If you are searching for supplemental hymns for your students, look no further!

Cover tiny file look inside Keyboard Treasury, Vol. 1 A Graded Hymn Anthology Primary Piano Solos. Composed by Peter Davis. Sacred. SoundForth #110213. Published by SoundForth (S2.110213).
Cover tiny file look inside Keyboard Treasury, Vol. 2 A Graded Hymn Anthology elementary piano solos. Composed by Peter Davis. Sacred. SoundForth #110221. Published by SoundForth (S2.110221).

If you benefited from this post, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. Also, read other posts on music pedagogy here.

 

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Ten Skills Every Church Pianist Should Have

Nearly every pianist will, at some point, fill the role of a church pianist. Even if it is not a long-term arrangement, every pianist should be prepared to serve in this capacity by developing certain skills. Here are the top ten skills that my church music professional sister and I have found extremely beneficial to have in ministry.

The skill of:

1.       Improvising from the hymnbook for supportive congregational accompaniments

2.       Improvising from the hymnbook for supportive and artistic accompaniments for soloists and ensembles

3.       Improvising from the hymnbook for solo work

4.       Adapting improvisational styles to the emotions of the moment when playing solo, and even when not alone

5.       Sight-reading choral music

6.       Sight-reading from the hymnbook (and improvising while doing so)

7.       Playing “Happy Birthday” from memory, or preferably by ear

8.       Following a conductor through rehearsals and planned performances

9.       Following a music director in congregational playing

10.   Being able to play by ear in at least a general sense (hearing the basic I, IV, V chord progression necessary to playing basic songs by ear)

 

If you benefited from this article, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. Also, don’t forget to check out other articles on music pedagogy here.

 

Here is one of our favorite books of piano solos for church pianists-in-training. These arrangements are wonderful for supplementing classical studies while building a solid repertoire for ministry.

Cover tiny file look inside Bless the Lord Early-intermediate Piano Solos. Composed by Gina Sprunger. Sacred. SoundForth #256305. Published by SoundForth (S2.256305).

 

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What Defines Our Teaching Success?

Many times at the end of a long day of teaching I’ll sigh and wonder if my students will ever succeed as musicians. Always, this question is tailed by another that is just as haunting and perhaps even harder to answer: will I ever succeed as a teacher? After all, don’t people define good teachers as those whose students win the most awards, play for the most prestigious audiences, and advance to the highest level in their musical careers? Well, maybe that is the case, but maybe it isn’t. At the end of the day, what defines our teaching success?

Everyone has gaps in their education, because none of us are omniscient. Only the triune God has all of the answers, because He is the one true God and “by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible…all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.” – Colossians 1:16-17 It would be a waste of time for us to try to convince each other that any of us could teach anyone else everything they would ever need to know, because none of us can see into the future any more than any of us have learned everything there is to know. So how are we to get through life? This discussion could be prolonged far into the future and pertain to just about every area of life. For the sake of time and the primary focus of these articles, we will keep it centered on music pedagogy and what potential answers to these questions mean to us as teachers.

Week after week I sat next to the piano, endeavoring to communicate the important aspects of music to my student. Lesson after lesson we worked, side by side, as the spark of musical knowledge and experience began to take hold in [her] mind and life. It wasn’t easy for either of us, though perhaps neither of us would have admitted it at the time. There were wins and fails, successes and discouragements, yet each time we would rise up again. We studied; during the week [she] practiced what we had discussed, while I thought, researched, and thought again so that I would know better how to guide [her]. We were making progress as a teacher-student team, and then it happened. I didn’t see it coming, but it came anyway. The last lesson arrived, and the student I had labored over for so many hours would be leaving my studio, never to return. It was relatively easy for me to move on for myself, as a teacher, but what would happen to [her]? Questions began to fill my mind: had I done everything possible to get [her] to the highest level possible? In what ways had I failed as a teacher and how were those failures going to impact [her] future as a musician? Was she leaving my studio equipped to take on whatever ministry or other opportunities the Lord wanted to bring into her life?

I’m confident I’m not the only teacher who has had situations like this one (which, by the way, was a combination of many stories and not just one in particular, as you probably perceived). Besides this, not every student who commits to taking music lessons for a period of time is committed to studying their instrument for life. But how can we best equip our students to continue learning and growing beyond the walls of our studio? If you’ve read my previous articles, you have an idea of the goals I have for my students, but reality is, most students do not stay with any given teacher for all of their musical education, and many of those goals will not be realized before they move on to the next season of their life.

Up to this point, there has been much potential for discouragement because we feel like we will never “measure up” as teachers. But there is still opportunity. It may be limited, it may be unlikely, but it is there. How can we capitalize on it and make the most of every chance to build up the next generation of musicians? While it is ideal to always have a teacher who is there for you to build you up, encourage you, and help you find answers to your questions, and while it is also ideal that you be the same constant and everlasting encourager and resource for your students, this scenario is just what I said it was: ideal. It does not often become a long-term or life-long reality for students and teachers. So what can we do? Let me suggest a shared answer in two parts to this question and our previous one, what defines our teaching success?

  1. Teach your students to take responsibility. My most recent violin teacher recently made the point that a student is their own best teacher. Try as we might, there is no way for us to pound knowledge into our students’ minds and hands. They must learn to take responsibility for their own education and take heed to the instruction of their teacher.
  2. Teach your students to teach themselves. Once the character has been established for the student to take responsibility, they are ready to move on to part 2 of the long-term solution. If a student must be spoon-fed information or always told what the “right thing” is by their instructor, then they will be crippled when the crutch of structured lessons is removed and there is little chance of them being able to survive as independent musicians. But, if student can see something they don’t understand and dig for the answer (music dictionaries and Google are amazing resources!), take initiative to speak to other musicians who are further ahead in their knowledge than themselves, and learn to keep their eyes and ears open for learning opportunities, then they are well on their way to being able to succeed as effective ministers in the area of music as they “play skillfully” (Psalm 33:3).

The best teacher is not necessarily the one with “the most,” “the greatest,” or “the most affluent.” Rather, the best teacher is one who will teach a student to excel for the glory of the Lord and take responsibility for teaching the next generation to take responsibility, for themselves and for the children who are yet to be born. Isn’t that what teaching is all about?

 

If you benefited from this article, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. Don’t forget to read the previous entries on music pedagogy here!

 

We are so grateful for the team at Shawnee Press that is behind our all-time favorite series of method books for piano. Keys for the Kingdom offers a Christ-centered approach to music that is thorough and easily grasped by the average student. If you are unsure of how to lay a musical foundation, start here!

Cover tiny file look inside Keys for the Kingdom Level A Method Book. Shawnee Press. Christian Instruction. Softcover. 64 pages. Shawnee Press #H5001. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35012003).
Cover tiny file look inside Keys for the Kingdom Level B Method Book. Shawnee Press. Christian Instruction. Softcover. 63 pages. Shawnee Press #H5002. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35012009).
Cover tiny file look inside Keys for the Kingdom: Level C Level C Method Book. Shawnee Press. Christian Instruction. Softcover. 72 pages. Shawnee Press #H5003. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35012015).
Cover tiny file look inside Keys for the Kingdom: Level D Level D Method Book. Shawnee Press. Christian Instruction. Softcover. 38 pages. Shawnee Press #H5004. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35012022).

 

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Thoroughly Equipping Music Students for Life – Part 2, Harp

In my previous article, Thoroughly Equipping Music Students for Life – Part 1, I highlighted some of the primary ways in which piano students should be prepared for future ministry and occupation. In this article, Thoroughly Equipping Music Students for Life – Part 2, we will endeavor to do the same for harp students. Even if you are not a pianist, I encourage you to go back and read Part 1, as that lays some very important groundwork for this and future articles. Also, please note that while not all masters of the harp are ladies, the harp is most commonly thought of among laymen as a lady’s instrument. Due to this thought process, I use feminine pronouns throughout this article.

As most of us know, the harp shines in a different sphere than that in which we typically find the piano. Piano is better known for accompaniment, while harp is most commonly thought of as an unaccompanied soloist. Consequently, the skillset required for a well-rounded harpist is going to be different from that of a well-rounded pianist. It may not, however, be as different as we think. With that said, let’s get take a look at the goals that it are helpful for harp teachers to have for their students.

Performance

Classically trained harpists should be well-versed in the upper-lever works from the great composers of the instrument, including Dussek, Pescetti, Grandjany, Salzedo, Handel, and others. Much as for a pianist, this sort of study lays the foundation for future usefulness in chamber groups, orchestras, and church-oriented ministry. Goal: To be able to play well – technically and artistically – the foundational works found in advanced musical literature. Also, to be able to perform as a soloist in various scenarios, including weddings, receptions, seasonal events, funerals, and more.

Chamber

As a pre-cursor to playing with an orchestra and being useful in church music, young harpists should be engaged in learning ensemble music with other harpists, and even with other instruments. This is very beneficial in developing a harpist’s sense of rhythm from loose and unregulated to still sensitive, yet precise and consistent. Don’t think that there is something wrong with rubato, though; there is still a definite place for it in harp music. But a harpist who plays with others must learn to follow –and stay in sync with – those with whom she plays. Goal: To be able to play in chamber groups with fellow harpists and/or other musicians, holding her own while following and communicating with others in the group.

Orchestra

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, chamber music lays an excellent foundation for orchestra. The primary difference between the two is the presence of a conductor in an orchestra. Many orchestras, especially those playing sacred music, will only have one harp, and so the harpist is in a class by herself. It is essential to a successful performance of either “classical” or sacred orchestra music that the harpist have a solid and unwavering sense of rhythm, and hopefully this has been previously established throughout her years of study. The next element to playing with an orchestra is watching the conductor. This is especially challenging for harpists. The harp prevents them from seeing anything to their right, and the instrument should be positioned so as to obtain a straight line of sight to the conductor. The object here is to have the harp and music stand adjusted so that the harpist’s head has a minimum amount of movement from side to side, and rapid, vertical glances can provide constant monitoring of the conductor, music, and hands/strings. The skill that needs to be developed here is the ability to be constantly rotating what she looks at, without either losing her place in the music or becoming disoriented with the placement of the strings on the instrument itself. Goal: To be able to follow a conductor, utilizing the pre-developed sense of rhythm and ability to communicate. Also, to be able to constantly rotate eyes between conductor, music, and hands/strings without becoming disoriented or losing her place.

Church Music

For the harpist, church music is, depending on the church to be served, a combination of solos, chamber music, and orchestra. If a harpist has studied and learned well in the fields previously mentioned, she should be more than equipped to minister in the local assembly. Goal: To be confident with solo sacred music and have a repertoire for use in church services, seasonal occasions, and other events.

Pedagogy

As with a pianist, the ability to pass on what they have learned to others is the crowning feature of the trained harpist. To be able to learn is one thing, but to teach is another. This is what the future depends on in all areas of life. Just as parents are commanded to pass on their faith in God to the next generation (Psalm 78:5-7, Ephesians 6:4), so musicians should be prepared to endow others with their skills and knowledge for the glory of our Lord. Goal: To be able to be ever-learning, teaching themselves so that teacher-induced limitations may be overcome, and to have the potential to instruct future generations.

 

If you benefited from this article, please consider leaving feedback in the comment section below. Don’t forget to read the previous entries on music pedagogy here!

 

Come visit our online store to purchase sacred and seasonal solo collections for lever and pedal harp. Additionally, check out some of my favorite harp pieces and learning materials:

Cover tiny file look inside Children’s Hour Suite for Harp, Op. 25. Composed by Marcel Grandjany (1891-1975). Classical. Solo part. With Standard notation. Opus 25. 24 pages. Carl Fischer #O004651. Published by Carl Fischer (CF.O4651).
Cover tiny file look inside Hymns and Wedding Music for All Harps Harp Solo. By Sylvia Woods. Arranged by Sylvia Woods. Harp. Sacred, Collection, Classical, Wedding. 96 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.720900).
Cover tiny file look inside Sonata In C Minor For The Harp Composed by Pescetti G B. Edited by Carlos Salzedo. Harp Solo. Classical. 12 pages. G. Schirmer #ST37591. Published by G. Schirmer (HL.50280450).
Cover tiny file look inside Short Pieces from The Masters Composed by Christopf Willibald Von Gluck / Franz Peter Schubert. Arranged by Marcel Grandjany. Solo part. With Standard notation. 7 pages. Carl Fischer #H000064. Published by Carl Fischer (CF.H64).

 

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Thoroughly Equipping Music Students for Life – Part 1

We often hear parents make statements about preparing their children for “real life.” As teachers, we need to be equipping music students for life, preparing them to take on the challenges they will face as an adult musician. Specifically, our students need to be trained to act in branches of music in which their instruments are most commonly used.

Most Christian musicians are going to be involved in church music at some point in their lives. Every church needs a pianist. Most churches desire some, if not all of the following: special music, offertories, preludes, special seasonal programs involving music, and more.

Over my years as a teacher I have developed and am still developing goals for my students relevant to the instrument they are studying. Of course, it is vital to their success as a student and mine as a teacher that their personal goals for learning the instrument are considered. Some want to reach the highest level of mastery possible, while others are learning for pleasure’s sake. Most are eager to develop the skills necessary to become church musicians, and others study music as an extra-curricular supplement. Whatever their goals, I endeavor to help them reach them. The road is two-way, however, and because I am hired as an educator to share what I myself have learned, I make a point to share my goals with the students and their authorities. Sometimes this is done with a long overview discussion, but always it is at least a small element to our lessons.

So what are good goals for teachers to have for their aspiring musicians? I’m going to break this discussion up into articles based on the instruments I teach, because each one is unique, so keep an eye out for future entries. Let me take a moment here to state that my ultimate goal is to raise students who will play skillfully and heartily as unto the Lord, for we serve the Lord Christ. (Psalm 33:3, Colossians 3:23-24)

Piano

There are myriad aspects of a pianist’s life. It can be a bit overwhelming to set out to master all elements of being a well-rounded pianist, but with time, perseverance, and the blessing of the Lord, it can be done. I will not go into extensive detail here on the nitty-gritties of theory, composition, and other intensive fields that could be mentioned, but will focus briefly on some of the broad, primary skills necessary for mastery of the instrument.

Performance

Piano Performance typically refers to the ability to play, and to play well, the works of the Masters: Bach, Haydn, Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms, and Debussy, to name a few. Included in this study are also scores of technical studies that can be used to prepare for and enhance the learning of the major works. While this type of music is not what we would play in church, and consequently not what a lot of people find as their focus in learning, the knowledge and skill gained from studying “classical” literature is invaluable to being a well-rounded and ready-for-anything pianist. Goal: To be able to play well – technically and artistically – the foundational works found in advanced piano literature.

Accompaniment

There is no single instrument as commonly used for accompaniment in all realms of music as the piano. Consequently, it is essential to the well-trained pianist to be a confident accompanist in several different realms of music. Accompaniment is a sort of middle ground for a pianist between Performance and Church Music. The foundations for it are laid in Performance, and some of the most common needs for accompaniment for the Christian musician lie in the area of Church Music. Another area of accompaniment beside Church Music is playing for other performing soloists and ensembles in the “classical” field – another reason to lay a firm foundation in Performance. The primary duty of an accompanist is simple: follow your leader, be it a soloist, ensemble, conductor, or otherwise, and play your music as a supporter, not a soloist. Goal: To be able to play various styles of accompaniment, including but not limited to the following – “classical” (soloist and ensemble), sacred accompaniment (soloist and ensemble), choral music, and congregational.

Church Music

This field of pianistic occupation is probably the primary one for most people reading this article. It includes several different aspects, and is where the hours of hard practice begin to pay off for the ministry-minded musician. The largest percentage of a church pianist’s time is going to be put into accompaniment, either for the congregation, the choir, or other soloists and ensembles, and using music that is written for soloists, choirs, or maybe just out of the hymnbook. Because of this, the next element that is crucial to the church pianist is improvising from the hymnbook. This skill will be used more than most of us could ever measure, as the quantity of hymn playing that a church pianist does is immense. The hymnbook is used for congregational accompaniments, preludes, postludes, sometimes for solo and ensemble accompaniment, and sometimes for the choir. It is important that students develop this skill fluently. Depending on the church that is being served, there are commonly many opportunities to use beautifully written hymn arrangements as a soloist, which is yet another kick-back to the study of Performance music. Goal: To be able to play fluently in the four primary fields of Church Music – improvised accompaniment, written accompaniment, solo improvisation, and sacred solo.

Pedagogy

The ability to pass on what they have learned to others is the crowning feature of the trained pianist. To be able to learn is one thing, but to teach it is another. This is what the future depends on in all areas of life. Just as parents are commanded to pass on their faith in God to the next generation (Psalm 78:5-7, Ephesians 6:4), so musicians should be prepared to endow others with their skills and knowledge for the glory of our Lord. Goal: To be able to be ever-learning, teaching themselves so that teacher-induced limitations may be overcome, and to have the potential to instruct future generations.

 

If you found this article to be helpful, please consider leaving a review in the comment section below. Also, check out my previous articles here.

 

Written with church musicians in mind, Heartfelt Hymns for All Seasons is a collection of beautiful and artistic arrangements to enhance in your weekly gathered church worship.

Cover tiny file look inside Heartfelt Hymns for All Seasons Composed by Shelly Hamilton. Sacred. SoundForth #70/1994SF. Published by SoundForth (S2.70-1994SF).

 

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Pianistic Legato

What is legato for a pianist? We all know that legato passages are marked with slurs. And hopefully we all know that legato actually means “smooth;” not quiet, as is a somewhat common mistake among students.

I remember as a young violinist that slurs made perfect sense: simply combine all of the notes under the slur in a single bow. Of course, as I matured musically, the world of slurs and legato playing broadened and I learned that there is much more to a beautiful legato than just combining notes in a bow. However, my point is this: beginning string players have a very simple, but correct way to mechanically play legato. At the same time that I easily comprehended the straightforward explanation of slurs in my violin studies, I was downright confused about them in piano. I did understand that slurs were different from dots (staccato; short), but that was about it.

It wasn’t until I was in my fourth year of advanced piano studies that the mechanical means of producing a beautiful legato across the ivories began to dawn in my mind. My teacher assigned me a series of exercises to further the development of finger independence (see below). I was to practice this first staccato, and then legato. Suddenly one day during practice, something clicked. The physical, muscular action required from my hand on the keys made sense. Now, this may seem elementary to any pianist who reads this, but it was a massive hurdle overcome for me. The secret is (and I’m talking about very fine, note-to-note detail work here): pianistic legato is achieved when the first key is released at the same time that the subsequent key is depressed.

Now, how to play advanced literature and church music with a lovely legato touch is beyond the scope of this study, but I want to discuss the importance of teaching this to our young beginners and elementary students, as well as few things to help give a jumpstart for application.

Most piano methods introduce slurs early on in the study, which is wonderful. I as a teacher have come to realize that, with some of my first students, I failed to begin teaching legato playing from the time it was introduced in the method, at least in part because I was teaching these students at the same time I was endeavoring to understand the concept myself.  Thankfully, my mistake was brought to light in time to fill the gaps I had unintentionally created.

Learning to play legato is crucial if a student is going to advance to playing even mid-level literature, and playing it well. It is common for elementary students to approach the keys with a course, pounding effect – understandable when they are just learning the basics of note-reading and other foundational items, but utterly inexcusable for a true pianist-in-training. Teaching and enforcing legato technique can help soften the touch of immature musicians on the keyboard, helping to develop a feel for “kneading” or “massaging” the keys.

It is also helpful in forming the hands to the correct position – rounded hands, curved, not collapsed, knuckles, and straight wrists – as it is nearly impossible to play legato with improper positioning.

Another benefit of early legato training is that it helps to relax the muscles in the hands. The sidekick that almost always shows up with beginner key pounding is extreme tension. Again, this is understandable, but ultimately not acceptable. Overmuch tension in the hands, arms, shoulders, or anywhere else in the body can lead to serious and painful muscle problems, also known as musicians’ injuries.* So, teaching our little tykes to play legato lays the foundation once again, this time for practicing and performing high-stress pieces in the future, during which it will be crucial that they stay relaxed.

But how are we supposed to teach this? The most effective “method” I have found is simple, careful explanation and demonstration. You don’t want to bore your 6 year-old (who is probably having a hard time sitting still on the bench anyway) with a drawn-out sermon on how to play legato and why they must practice it. Keep it short each lesson. This is a skill that they will use the rest of their lives, and it may take several lessons to master it and that’s quite all right. Here’s a basic outline of how I approach teaching this skill. Most students aren’t going to get it right the first time, and you may need to repeat segments or the entirety of the below list several lessons in a row Be creative and change it up to fit your teaching needs and style. Teaching ideas are not meant to be “cookie cutter” from person to person.

  1. Tell them what legato means in English. Sometimes it’s fun to ask if they already know, but be sure that they know that you are not necessarily looking for the right answer. It’s okay to guess!
  2. Contrast verbally the difference between staccato (short) and legato (smoooooooth). The more drama here, the more memorable the difference in terms will be.
  3. Demonstrate the difference (a slow scale works well as a demo piece), pointing out what your hand is actually doing – playing each note individually, or connecting the notes in a long string where each two consecutive keys are lifted and depressed simultaneously.
  4. Let them try! Scales always work well for this sort of experiment, but if you haven’t introduced them yet, a short, one-hand piece previously mastered should work, too. Encourage liberally, pointing out any and every little element of success.

 

Exercise for Finger Independence

This exercise can be played on any major penta-scale and is increasingly effective for finger independence with many accidentals. Here it is in C Major for the right hand only.

 

1   2   3  4   5      1  2   3  4   5       1  2   3  4   5        1  2   3  4   5        1  2   3   4  5
C  D  E  F  G     C  D  E  F  G      C  D  E  F  G       C  D  E  F  G       C  D  E  F  G

  1. Keep the thumb (Middle C) depressed while playing the successive fingers staccato ascending and then descending.
  2. Move on to the next group of 5 and repeat the process, keeping the second finger sustaining its note while the other four fingers play in order ascending and descending.
  3. Continue until each of the five fingers has been held out, and be sure that your hand position remains correct. If you are new to finger independence techniques, you may need to stop frequently to relax. By all means, please do!
  4. Repeat with the left hand, only this time your fifth finger will be on C (one octave below Middle C) and the exercise will appear to be backward.

Repeat the exercise with each hand, playing legato. This is usually more challenging, so take a deep breath, relax, shake out your hands, and try it again!

There are many variations for this exercise, and I’ve listed some below. Master the original, and then pick and choose, combine and create to find what best fits your needs.

  • Metronome – play quarter notes at 60 BPM; gradually speed up if desired
  • Hands together – parallel motion, legato and staccato
  • Hands together – contrary motion, legato and staccato
  • Reversal: play exactly as written above (right hand), but working right to left, descending and then ascending. The same can be done for left hand, following the same backwards finger order from step 4.

 

 

*There are many types of musicians’ injuries and a number of causes to match, often depending on the instrument being studied. Do your research and play wisely. This post is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any issue. Please seek professional musical and medical advice as needed.  

 

If this article was beneficial for you, please consider leaving a review in the comment section below. Also, click here to read the article about teaching eras of music.

 

Looking for a good piano method? Consider Keys for the Kingdom, a Christ-centered and musically sound curriculum for laying a firm foundation in the lives of young piano students.

Cover tiny file look inside Keys for the Kingdom Level A Method Book. Shawnee Press. Christian Instruction. Softcover. 64 pages. Shawnee Press #H5001. Published by Shawnee Press (HL.35012003).

 

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Music Pedagogy Question: How do I teach about eras in music?

I had a conversation with a friend and fellow private teacher some time ago and, in the course of our discussion, she asked how I had learned about the various eras of music, and then how I approach teaching them to my students. The question caught me a little off guard because the knowledge that I have in this area isn’t something that I have labored long and hard for, the way I practice a four movement Beethoven Sonata. Additionally, I would be the first to admit that, not having worked intensively on this subject, I am not equipped to teach it on the same level I am to teach difficult pianistic techniques or literature. In a sense, because of the many wonderful teachers with whom my siblings and I have studied, it seemed that this sort of information was “just there.”

“Uh, um, I don’t know…” was my initial reaction. But then I realized that I did know how this knowledge was acquired: our teachers talk about it. Sometimes a large percentage of a lesson will be spent in discussion about a particular composer and the times surrounding his life. Maybe we talk about his family, his favorite instrument, his most commonly known works and more interestingly, the forgotten ones. They talk about the particular musical elements of an era: what types of ideas were popular at that time? How were their instruments different from ours, and how did that influence the music that was written? What are the technical (physical) elements required to recreate that musicality?

It was a lightbulb moment for me as I realized that anything I knew on the subject was due to intentional conversation on the part of my several teachers. They each in their own way have made a habit of discussing eras and composers with us throughout our lessons, especially when we begin to study a new piece. And then, they acknowledge our responsibility as the student. One teacher in particular strongly encourages us to look things up for ourselves when we have a question. After all, you are your own best teacher (more on that at a later date).

After several years of struggling to develop the disciplines of observing and intentionally looking for information beyond the notes on the page, it has finally become habitual for me before commencing the study of a new piece to observe the composer and the dates of his life. From there, I should know, or have enough information to research, what era I am dealing with and what the stylistic elements are of that era.

 “All of this is good and well when I’m the student, but what about when I’m the one responsible for training the minds and hands of the next generation of musicians?”  That’s a great question, and one it has taken me years to articulate so I could discern what was missing in my teaching and then work to find solutions.

Here’s a quick-start checklist of things to know as you introduce eras to your students:

  1. Memorize the dates of the four primary eras: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern.
  2. Familiarize yourself with 2-3 commonly-known composers from each era.
  3. Learn 3-4 descriptive adjectives to describe the style of each era.

Make a point to just talk through these things in the lesson as you study a piece. You don’t have to talk about all three points at one time if you aren’t comfortable jumping into it all at once. If it’s a moderately challenging piece, the student will probably be studying it for a few lesson periods and you can research and/or brush up what you need to have ready for the next lesson during the week. Be natural, and don’t try to say what you don’t know. Those things can keep until the next lesson when you’ve collected your thoughts. At the same time, don’t be afraid to pause and look something up in your music dictionary during the lesson. It’s okay for your student to know that we are all learning and growing together, and seeing you use your resources could be just the example and encouragement they need to become excellent musicians and teachers themselves.

Introducing: [a new arrangement for] The String Quartet

We at Neely Marketplace would like you to meet four of our very dear comrades from the music department: Miss 1, Miss 2, Mammoth V, and Big C. We hope you enjoy your time with them.

 

Violin 1: Almost everyone has heard of the string quartet, haven’t they?

Cello: Probably; everyone has heard of you and your assistant, and most everyone has heard of me (thoughtful contemplation)

Violin 2: Yes, and I believe most everyone knows specifically what role I play, and is familiar with the expression “2nd fiddle…”

Violin 1: And nearly as many could tell you that it is formed by four members (though not the four) of our amazing relations. In fact, many weddings today are gracefully offset–

Cello: Ehem. Excuse me, Miss 1.

Violin 1: Yes?

Cello: Before you expound on our primary occupation in the 21st century, we should remember our companion.

Violin 1: That’s an excellent point, Big C.

Violin 2: Yes, many people think that our fourth player is just a random “3”.

Viola: Most don’t even know my name.

Cello: I do hope our audience will forgive the interruption, but now that we have him hear, let us introduce you to Mammoth V. We’re ready to proceed with your introduction, Miss 1.

Violin 1: Thank you, Big C. We certainly operate the best when we are all accounted for and playing together. Let’s see, I was just opening up the second phrase of my solo… As I was saying, many weddings today are gracefully off-set by the lovely sounds of our quartet, and if you didn’t have them at your wedding, well, you probably have a family member

Violin 2: or friend,

Violin 1: who did.

Cello: But how much is commonly known today about the history of this versatile and altogether charming chamber group? Take a look at our trivia questions below.

Viola: They are sure to test your knowledge

Violin 2: of this amazing combination we call

Unison: The String Quartet

Coda: Answers are at the end of this post, but DON’T peak.

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Violin 1: Lovely ending, everyone. And now to you, our valued audience, we offer a souvenir program of inquiries with which to test your knowledge of our history, and also by which you can remember tonight’s performance. Thank you for lending us your attention.

 

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Trivia:

  • During which musical period did the string quartet become well-known?
  • Who is considered to be the “Father of the String Quartet?”
  • Who commissioned the work that became one of the earliest string quartet compositions?
  • How many movements are there in traditional string quartet form?

 

We hope your visit with our special guests was both educational and enjoyable. In their honor, and for the first time, we are pleased to make available a string quartet arrangement of “Blow, Ye Golden Trumpets, Blow,” a little-known Christmas carol, but one that can certainly claim our attention. Please click here for details.

 

Trivia Answer Key: Classical, Franz Joseph Haydn, the Baron Carl von Joseph Edler von Fürnberg, four