tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50083170803797632792011-08-01T15:44:47.474-07:00A place for fellow church pianists to give advice to other amateur church pianists (like me) on what works (and maybe what doesn't) in playing beautifully to the best of our God-given ability to edify the saints and give praise to God in our local church.Ayeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821981168036098013noreply@blogger.comBlogger31100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008317080379763279.post-56726459845530308392010-03-22T16:36:00.000-07:002010-03-22T16:47:54.929-07:00<span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 0, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;" >This is the first in a long time since I've consistently practiced my Hanon Studies--and boy does it pay off. It was really challenging at first with the stiffness and what not--but I'm finally beginning to notice the smoothness &amp; agility. I just wish it wasn't so time consuming....</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5008317080379763279-5672645984553030839?l=notwearyinwelldoing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ayeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821981168036098013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008317080379763279.post-51471246166833610012010-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:002010-03-03T18:49:42.229-08:00<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-size:130%;">This past Sunday's sermon topic was Heaven. Consequently, I selected "Sweet By &amp; By" for the invitational hymn. As my dear Pastor was concluding the altar call--he proceeds to sing (in a nice dogmatic tone) "My Savior First of All" as the afore mentioned hymn is being played. For a moment I was completely baffled. My song choice was inappropriate---and he's trying to give a not so discreet 'hint'? I quickly transitioned into the hymn being sung, now by both he &amp; the congregation. To my surprise, I was able to do this easily with no music. This may seem a rather simple task to those that play by ear, but I definitely have no ear playing skills. Just from playing over the years I know a lot of hymns by heart, but not "My Savior First of All". As I played, I think I recalled somewhat, the pattern of chords in the song, and since Pastor was singing the melody with sheer boldness, it wasn't necessary to play the melody, only the supporting chords.<br />Ultimately I realized he (Pastor) didn't have a clue that he chose a song different than the one being played. Actually some parts of the two hymns are quite similar. My embarrassment was depleted by the fact that I was able to do something I had no idea was possible (for me anyway).<br />Later a couple of parishioners agreed that they noticed the song mishap, but that the transition was smooth so as not to distract. Thus, I'm a little emboldened to step out of my comfort zone more and play with no written music.<br />A simple mistake was somewhat of a blessing for me--a challenge to try harder at this animal called improvisation</span>.</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5008317080379763279-5147124616683361001?l=notwearyinwelldoing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ayeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821981168036098013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5008317080379763279.post-91726437066885758322009-10-17T14:23:00.001-07:002009-10-17T14:23:07.269-07:00<a href="http://eradona.com/near-the-cross.aspx">ERADONA.COM - Near the Cross</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/5008317080379763279-9172643706688575832?l=notwearyinwelldoing.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Ayeshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17821981168036098013noreply@blogger.com2