Using Purposeful Musical Techniques Within Songs

“...we can also use different playing techniques, or embellishments to enhance our playing and make the music sound good to the ears, without drawing attention to what we are playing.”

As we lead God's people in worship from the piano, it's vital we always remember our role is primarily supportive. By that, I mean that our ultimate aim is to help not hinder our brothers and sisters as they worship God.

Something that can help us in this regard, is the use of various techniques. I don't mean techniques that showcase our "chops" or playing ability, but techniques that actually help the congregation to come in on time, end in unison, move confidently into a chorus, and so on.

In addition to this, we can also use different playing techniques or embellishments, to enhance our playing and make the music sound good to the ears, without drawing attention to what we are playing.

Rather than try to describe this further using words, here's a link to a video I recently made, demonstrating various techniques in short clips from the following songs:

• All Creatures of Our God and King

• His Mercy is More

• Great Is Thy Faithfulness

• What a Friend We Have in Jesus

• He Will Hold Me Fast

• Reformation Song

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

You can check out the video by clicking the image below, and it's only 2:42 long too :-)

Please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel if you like the content.

Happy playing!

[Return to The Church Piano Player Website]

This blog post was written by pastor and pianist Kris Baines, from The Church Piano Player. Kris lives in the UK with his family, having recently moved back New Zealand where he worked as a pastor for the past 26 years (also leading worship/worship teams). Kris has also spent over 35 years writing, recording, and performing music and is now bringing all that combined experience together to help equip church piano/keyboard players.

Check out the church piano player website for more information on online courses by Kris Baines.

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