What a thoroughly helpful video. I play for a church (Free Church of Scotland) with a background of exclusive psalmody sung a cappella led by a precentor. I've recently started playing piano for them and have struggled a bit with how to bring the congregation in on the right note at the right time. Thank you for such practical advice.
Thank you. This tutorial is very useful for me being in de situation as where I’m asked more often to play a few hymns when no “experienced” organist is available. In particular the 1.5 beat rest tip is very useful.
The very first question should be: can you play the piece on the piano without any difficulty? Whether or not you are the only person they have to play is irrelevant; if you can't play it on the piano you will never play it on the organ. It is not inspiring but it is reality.
Oh sure, but I find that many of the people who do play - good people who work very hard to provide a service for their churches - feel inadequate and have a low opinion of the great work they're doing. That's really what I was driving at: we can afford to forgive ourselves for what we can't do on the strength of the good things that we are doing. Tim
I have been organist of our local Episcopal church for over 20 years. The introduction to all hymns is to play the entire hymn through once. Then the singing starts.
That's a very useful tradition and has a lot going for it. Perhaps most denominations are less patient than yours; whatever the reason, it's more usual to have a shorter playover, except in European Lutheran traditions (like mine), where all hymns are introduced by a chorale prelude. But the principle remains the same: keeping the beat going is the important thing. Great that you've worked for such a long time for your church! Every blessing, Tim
By the way, do check out my new book on www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk/products/organist-at-your-service
Thank you, especially for the encouragement at the beginning for those of us who know we have a lot to learn yet.
You are so welcome (sorry for the slow reply - for some reason I didn't see it earlier). Every blessing with the playing! Tim
this is fantastic, and much needed! Thank you.
You're so welcome! Tim
Loved this. Can't wait for episode 2!!
Thank you for the encouragement. Episode 2 coming in a couple of days. Tim
What a thoroughly helpful video. I play for a church (Free Church of Scotland) with a background of exclusive psalmody sung a cappella led by a precentor. I've recently started playing piano for them and have struggled a bit with how to bring the congregation in on the right note at the right time. Thank you for such practical advice.
I'm so pleased it's helpful - and I hope it all goes well for you! Tim
Thank you Dr. Tim. Very helpful. I'm a beginning church organist.
I'm really glad. Good luck with your playing! Tim
Great advice. Thank you! I am looking forward eagerly to the other 3 episodes.
Thank you. Episode 2 is just out: I hope that too will be useful. Tim
Thank you. This tutorial is very useful for me being in de situation as where I’m asked more often to play a few hymns when no “experienced” organist is available.
In particular the 1.5 beat rest tip is very useful.
Glad it was helpful! Best wishes with the playing. Tim
Very very helpful
I'm so glad. Thank you. Tim
The very first question should be: can you play the piece on the piano without any difficulty? Whether or not you are the only person they have to play is irrelevant; if you can't play it on the piano you will never play it on the organ. It is not inspiring but it is reality.
Oh sure, but I find that many of the people who do play - good people who work very hard to provide a service for their churches - feel inadequate and have a low opinion of the great work they're doing. That's really what I was driving at: we can afford to forgive ourselves for what we can't do on the strength of the good things that we are doing. Tim
This starts promising...
Thank you. I'll try to keep it up! Tim
I have been organist of our local Episcopal church for over 20 years. The introduction to all hymns is to play the entire hymn through once. Then the singing starts.
That's a very useful tradition and has a lot going for it. Perhaps most denominations are less patient than yours; whatever the reason, it's more usual to have a shorter playover, except in European Lutheran traditions (like mine), where all hymns are introduced by a chorale prelude. But the principle remains the same: keeping the beat going is the important thing. Great that you've worked for such a long time for your church! Every blessing, Tim
The latest edition (2015) of The Salvation Army Tunebook has introductions marked by brackets under the score.
Our Anglican hymn book has the suggested introduction marked with brackets.
@@dianeallen3732 Which Anglican hymn book is that? I have to suggest an intro to my organist every time.
@@nicks40 Common Praise (Canadian: