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BCMC JOURNAL 2005
The
Piano in Today's Worship
Breakout Session with Becky Lombard
The following is an outline of Dr. Becky Lombard's
portion of a 2005 Conference Breakout Session for church
accompanists.
Basics
Written accompaniments are relatively weak.
It's an acoustical instrument world . . . especially
guitar. You must learn to play in their world.
You are no longer the carrier of melody. . . you are
rhythm.
Most of the functions of good accompaniment have not
changed: enhance the mood of the text, establish key,
create interest, etc.
Most of the techniques of good accompaniment have
changed: no arpeggios, less extreme ranges, booming
bass, not as many notes
Groove is the most important thing!! Rubato is
not allowed.
Subtlety is essential.
LISTEN! LISTEN! LISTEN!
Ideas
Listen to, Imitate, and Practice playing with
recordings. Match the "feel".
Imitate bass technique with left hand – imitate guitar
with right hand (when not with band).
Find a register that doesn't just duplicate, but
contributes to the sound.
Voicing is very important. Remember the feel of
soprano, alto, tenor in right hand, bass in left hand.
Don't play too much. Never double what other instruments
are doing. The more people in the band or orchestra
–the less busy you should be.
Never slow down or speed up.
Play heavier to help settle into the groove (not
louder).
Licks and Tricks
Added 2nd in
chords
Two chords you must know: IV over V (turn around,
introduction, and modulation); Vsus7 (modulation
and introduction)
Tag
chord (vi)
Don't modulate, just start in the new key.
Walk down for final note:
4 3
2 1
IV I IV I
Beat one is no longer the strong beat, two is.
Under talking, try more open spacing and a few clusters.
Try not to play 3rds in chords.
Dr. Becky Parker Lombard is Assistant Professor of
Music Theory and Organ at New Orleans Baptist
Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana. She
served as the 2005 President of the Baptist Church Music
Conference.
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