One of the big challenges, especially in a church that’s going through some transition, is the music. “How do we play the new music”? is a question I’ve been asked many times.
Those who struggle most seem to be keyboard players – more specifically – “piano” players whose hands have only graced a proper piano. These people are often accomplished players, yet the new music presents a challenge, because many have studied classical music, which requires you to read and play the exact notes, as written – or “dots” as I affectionately call them.
The other challenge is that the piano was the driving force behind traditional music (with the organ) and it’s hard to play down a level or three and become one of the band members. You can sometimes feel like you’re not bringing your best.
Let encourage you: “There is hope! You can make the transition! And it can be fun, creative, inclusive and even more fulfilling!”
The reason I say this with confidence is that I was one of those. My background is in classical piano training as a concert pianist – so I know exactly where you are coming from. Yet, with help and my personal growth as a musician, I transitioned to seeing myself as a member of the team.
Here are some reasons why the transition is important…
- The vocals lead the worship, not the piano / organ / keyboard. This means you don’t play the melody (Ouch!!)
- The rhythm section (drums, bass, guitar) create… well the rhythm – and so you don’t have to be busy on the piano.
- Fully noted music means that all the instruments need to be notated. So if your arrangement is written note for note, then the other instruments would need the same thing in order to work with the piano so that works together seamlessly, and there are no musical overlaps (hope that makes sense!?)
- Freedom of Creativity. If you read and play chord symbols, you get to create in context with the rest of the team and that’s enriching. You play only what is needed, not what is written.
- Flexibility. There are times that you may need to play more and other times less. Your ear will rule, your musicianship will take over, and not the music.
So, if you are a classical or traditional pianist who reads notes, you might be getting a bit nervous. So what do you do? What basic steps can you take to transition your style of playing?
- Start with what you already know. I’m yet to meet a classical musician who is not familiar with chords. I recently asked a skeptic if she knew what a “C” chord was – and she played one immediately. I tried her out on a few more and there was no hesitation. So I started there and began to help shape what she was playing to fit with the team. Here’s what I showed her and suggested she does…
- Practice. Play along with song videos or audios.
- Listen… carefully to what other piano players are doing. It’s usually extremely simple. Check out the piano introduction to “Do It Again” or “O Come to the Altar” from Elevation Church.
- Play open chords. As an exercise, try playing chords using 3 notes (2 in Right Hand, 1 in Left). Move those same three notes around in the chord and listen to the different sounds they make. Your playing will become less muddy and cut through the sound as a whole.
- Change register. Avoid playing in the middle of the piano keyboard (unless you’re the only instrument). Move up an octave or even two.
- Play fewer notes. The old adage is true “Less is More.” In other words, switch from playing semi quavers (16th notes) to quavers (8th) or from quavers to crotchets (1/4 notes).
The main thing is to listen to what’s happening in the band as you play. That is the key switch from being a piano player to being a proper musician.
And by the way… my friend in transition smashed it !! She left the rehearsal with a huge smile and renewed confidence.
Is there another problem you may have, or a solution to add to the above. Please drop me a line below.
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