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Gospel Instruments => Gospel Keyboard / Piano => Topic started by: btrue15 on July 11, 2004, 03:17:17 PM
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Today my pastor got up and sang My Soul Loves Jesus for about 5 minutes and then he sang Shine On Me(2 songs that I absolutely cannot play) and then after singing both of these song, he went back into My Sould Loves Jesus 8O All I could do was say Lord help me to play this song Lord help me please :cry: I need chords please, or maybe some theory or better yet a midi. So basically he sang for about 15 minutes and for the whole time that he sang I did not play a single note. Lord help me to see the light
btrue15
God is good all the time
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Dear Btrue
Ask God for the help for playing I Know ask for Grace.
God Bless
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I did not play a single note.
I guess that's where I'm different from some people. I'll still try, although I'll play it low, until I get it. I've learned not to freeze up when someone sings a song that I don't know.
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To play or not to play if you dont know a song...there is no right or wrong, its probably better to not play. its all good.
performance in church is depentant upon practice at home :roll:
I need LOTS of practice myself.
God bless
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We've all been there. Don't fret. There are certain traditional songs that need to be known by all musicians- you know like Amazing Grace, Precious Lord and so on. The good thing about many traditional songs is that if you learn one you also basically have another. Those two songs that you named are good places to start. Try learning them in C, F, G A-flat to start with. No musician can play every song-everytime. Even the best struggle with something. Picking up behind someone isn't always easy, it doesn't mean that you are an incompetent or lazy musician, it means that you are on the journey as a church musician and there are many lessons yet to learn. Matter of fact I've been in services where the musician's use of all the phat jazz chords and stuff was a distraction away from the message and simple beauty of the music. Keep playing cause God is pleased with your service. Peace
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Be Encouraged. Ever pick out a song in one key and then it seems like a person sings it in another key that you have never heard? We all been there. Please don't give up trying.
Be Blessed.
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:) Thanks for the words of encouragement!!! For whatever reason, I have never been able to pick up on these two songs. I just couldn't believe that for the few years that I've been playin for my church, that I've been faking it on these two songs. I really don't understand what my problem is obviously I don't practice enough. There are a lot of songs out there that I just haven't heard before, it drives me crazy when someone breaks out with a song that is twice as old as I am. Any advice???
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Ha! :lol: :lol: That cracked me up . . . . "Someone breaks out with a song that is twice as old as I am!" Boy, that has me ROLLING! :lol: :lol:
Anyway, as musicians, we know that exposure is the key to playing different things. Do you have access to any old tapes of similar songs, or do you know anyone who knows these old songs that can sing them while you figure out a few progressions while they sing?
Saint of God, if you can pick up on just about any song except these few, you are BLESSED BLESSED sho 'nuff BLESSED. :lol: But it seems to me that an exposeure to these songs will fix the problem.
Be Blessed and Encouraged . . . I'm sure your church family appreciates all you do for the Kingdom. :wink:
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BBoy, I wish u could have seen the smile on face when i read the first two lines of your post. Once again thanks alot for the encouraging words, I think they hit the nail on the head. I'm gonna keep tryin to move forward.
I do agree, exposure is one of my problems. I don't get out to other churches to hear musicians often. But here recently I've been tryin to branch out and get some much needed exposure.
So anyway tomorrow morning I'm gonna head out to the church and try to get one of these songs. I might do some prayin while I'm there. If I run into any trouble, I'll comeback and holla at yall
btrue15
God is good all the time
:)
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To play or not to play if you dont know a song...there is no right or wrong, its probably better to not play. its all good.
performance in church is depentant upon practice at home :roll:
I need LOTS of practice myself.
God bless
nah, i agree with the above post...........its better to try.....just sittin there doesn't help anything, its better to atleast attempt to play the song
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I think to try (at a very soft volume) is OK. If you're not getting by the first time through, DON'T keep plunking and throw the singer off. I find that to be annoying and rude. I think, "I wish they would stop because it's messing with the spirit."
Your scenario has happened to me, though I've been playing a long, long time. BUT, I haven't always played in church and don't know many songs. Instead, I sit there and devote my attention to the singer, praising the Lord and encouraging the vocalist with an Amen, a hand clap or a wave. I'm not going to sit there looking like a deer caught in head lights just because I don't know the song. And worse, sitting there looking remorseful or stupid. I'm not going to let my frustration show to the people. God knows my heart. Now, people that may criticize, "Dang, she can't play that" are the ones that can't even play Mary Had A Little Lamb. I have a very high regard for singers because I was raised by a great singer. At any cost, I don't disrupt the singer.
Then, when that's all over, I go home and look the song up or try to find a recording of it, or find it in a hymnal.
Did you learn these songs yet? I always say if you know a few of them, you can play most of them.
Love,
Lisa
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Further, don't be too hard on yourself because I found when I first started playing in church that these types of "ad-lib" songs were the most difficult to pick up. The vocals can go in any direction because there's really no tempo or beat to latch on to. These "meter" styles are harder and require a lot of arpeggios and fillers (speaking from the piano point of view--not the organ). You really have to feel and listen for the chord changes more with this type of singing (and in some instances, MOANING) :D 8)
Love,
Lisa
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This is the truly a post I can relate too. I'm sure most musicians have been in the same situation and you really hit home. I have really enjoyed reading the original post and the encouraging responses' that have come from everyone whom has posted. You all are a blessing!
"Perhaps without knowing you may cheer someone's sou!"
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I am going to ease your anxiety. Your post had me laughing. This is the last time I struggle. Cas10a if you play for another service, you will struggle again. I have news for you. You have not yet begun to fight. I have been playing for 48 years. Two lifetimes. Two generations. I know traditional and contemporary songs. I was raised in aCOGIC church with my mother who plays the piano and organ., and my father's church which was Missionary Baptist. He sang in the choir. From the earliest age I can remember, until I started playing for churches at 12 in1962. I have played for Baptists,Methodists, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics. Honey some services I struggle. You don't know what your pastor is going to sing. He doesn't know what he's going to sing. How are you supposed to know what he's going to do? I have never heard him sing. He may not be singing the right melody. I would need to hear him sing My Soul Loves Jesus, and/or Shine On Me. No one can follow someone who is not singing the right melody. They are singing their song, their way. Don't even attempt to play for someone like that. Since I have been playing a long time and for a lot of different song programming. I can quickly listen and diagnose and prescribe a remedy to accompany a voice. If he is singing correctly you will need to accompany him. Bring a small tape recorder to your service. When he starts to sing, record it. Is he singing the song(s) the same way everytime? If he is you will need to know traditional song chord progression. Music is a language. It is a non verbal communication. Just as a sentence is a group of words that expresses a complete thought. A song is a group of pitches, harmonies and rhythms that express a complete thought. There are rules that are specific to english syntax and structure. Certain words come in the sentence before or after other words. I cannot explain all of this in a posting, however this is the basic concept. Find your pastors key center. Play a chord that sounds right. Use your intuition. You know when it sounds right, so do others who can't play an instrument. Lay on that chord sound. Eventually he will move to another key center. Find that one. Traditional songs only have three key centers. There is a solution to yours if your pastor sings his melody right. If he doesn't sing the melody right. You have my sympathy, because you are going to do a lot of STRUGGLING. ha ha have fun keep practicing. You will be blessed.
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Hey, it's the KEYNOTE! She's BACK!
:lol:
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You guys are truly a blessing, through your encouraging words I've seen the light. Unfortunately, I haven't picked up the songs yet, but trust me I'm workin on them. But I think that I have realized my problem. My pastor cannot sing, lol. So I really don't know the real melody. So I guess i need to get someone else to sing it, since he's the only one who will sing these two songs in our church. So my big question to him is where is the melody???lol I've got some work to do on this one. but I will definitely have a different attitude while in service this sunday, yall pray for me
btrue15
God is good all the time
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Dang, she can't play that" are the ones that can't even play Mary Had A Little Lamb
HEY! I just learned Mary Had a Little Lamb for my daughter's preschool class! :D
I have been playing for 48 years....playing for churches at 12 in1962
Sheesh! :) You were playing back when the only gospel song was "Oh Happy Day" LOL....wait...that was before Oh Happy Day! :? :wink:
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Ha! He said "The problem is that the pastor can't sing!" You all are way too much . . . y'all just me rolling up in here :lol: :lol:
Be Blessed
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So can anyone help me, what is the melody for this song, My Soul Loves Jesus??
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I found an old post of "My Soul Loves Jesus" by Hammondman
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IN Db
FP / LH / RH - WORDS
Ab / AbEb / GbBbDbF - MY
Ab / AbGb / ACF
Db / DbAb / FAbDb - SOUL LOVES
F / DbB / FBbBEb - JESUS, MY
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Gb / GbDb / FAbBbDb - SOUL
G / GDb / EGBbDb - LOVES
Ab / AbEb / FAbDb - JESUS
Gb / EBb / EbAbC
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A / EbA / EbGbAC - MY
Bb / BbF / AbBbDbF - SOUL
C / CA / CEbGbA - LOVES
Db / DbBb / DbFAbBb - JESUS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
E / ED / DbGbBb - BLESS HIS
Eb / EbDb / AFC - NAME
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
A / EbA / EbGbAC - MY
Ab / AbGb / BEbGbBb - SOUL LOVES
Db / DbBb / FBbBEb - JESUS MY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*
Gb / GbDb / FAbBbDb - SOUL LOVES
Eb / EbBb / ADbEbAb - JESUS MY
Ab / AbEb / FAbDb - SOUL LOVES
Eb / EbBb / GbBbDbF - JESUS
Ab / AbEb / AbBbCF - BLESS HIS
Db / DbAb / FAbDb - NAME
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Oh my goodness, I must have overlooked this post!!!! :D Thanks alot Rafman, maybe I can pull my pastor aside and try to remind him of the melody :o :wink: I really appreciate at it!
btrue15
God is good all the time
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I have felt your pain several times in the beginning...about 4yrs ago, when our minister of music left one Sunday for good. You learn to have FAITH immediately not in yourself but in God. Practice a paticular song or hymn, praise and worship song etc. and LEARN it no matter how long you have to sit down at that piano, but do it by faith and ask God to help u thru it. He always delivers. Your confident level in Him will rise and your learning ability will soar. Your struggles may be there for a season but seasons change.
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ooowwweee!!! your minister of music just left yall hangin :? ??? believe it or not im still running into songs that i've never heard. but confidence in Him has really helped me through. knowing that he always comes through. Lord help me to make it!!! that's my prayer.
thanks for your input.....stay blessed :wink:
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Hey btrue! First i want to ditto the remarks, encouagement, and well-wishes that have already been extended by the brothas and sistas who are a part of this board. Second, thanks for bringing this subject up! I am in a library reading this, and folks lookin' at me like I'm crazy!!! lol It's got me in stitches!!!! What really makes it funny is I can identify with every situation described in this thread!!!! Some of these folks in the learngospelmusic community could make a prettty good living as stand-up comics!!! Be encoraged, my brother. It'll get better. You're not alone. Even the very best strugggle every now and then. Remember God knows what you're going through and He'll make EVERYTHING alright!!!!!!!
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dat_maestro you are so right, God knows exactly what we're going through. with prayer and practicing, the Lord has truly allowed for me to move up in my playing. i thank the Lord for the ability that he has given me. i'm learning to just enjoy where i'm at, because He has brought me this far. I appreciate the good words :)
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listen up to all of the wonderful musicians here there is a calling on your ministry that must be reached for remember putting those things that have passed behind you and pressing toward the high!!! calling in christ Jesus. One veriy important thing to know is what your goal is if you play in worship your goal should be excellence for God that means doing a profesional job at all times. listen to and incorporate this quote into your thinking the real diff between a professional and an amature is "an amature is allways saying what he/she can do A PROF KNOWS WHAT HE/SHE CAN'NT" there is no shame in not knowing how to play a certain song siting it out can be the best thing so as not to hinder the spirit by playing the wrong thing. the key is comunication between the minister of music/pianist/organist and the worship leader or pastor your job is to be prepared to serve and that takes time meditation and study. let your pastor know if he needs to sing certain songs it would be helpful for you to have a list to study and practice so you can be better prepared to serve. I know this is a lot and I'm not trying to write a book even though I already have written a book on music ministry I and speaking from over 25 years of experience in music minitry and nothing surprises me any more just remember the calling on your life in ministry is a high on you must reach and somtimes even jump for it Keep your focus on Jesus and he will be your guide
walk with the King and be a Blessing
musmin7
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:D I know what you mean about them A.H.H A.K.A Ancient History Hymns :lol: . Especially with me being a young musician and all. ther were many times when our praise and worship leader would bust out with songs that come out at the same time as hot water cornbread. And when she did, I would try to play very softly, prayin that no one could here it. Be encourage. I will pray for you. God bless. :) 8)
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Ha! They said "the same time as hot water cornbread"! :lol: Stop, y'all are TOO crazy up in here . . . :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Be Blessed . . . :D
BBoy 8)
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This happens to me a lot more that I would like it to, especially when we have special services and the guest soloist/choirs don't bring their own musician. Sometimes I get frustrated when I can't catch the song that they are singing, but that's when I decided that I would learn more songs. Not just that, but being proficient in chord progression and scales, that would make it a little easier.
But most of the time, I don't play, because I don't want to mess up the sound of the song.
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:P
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Today my pastor got up and sang My Soul Loves Jesus for about 5 minutes and then he sang Shine On Me(2 songs that I absolutely cannot play) and then after singing both of these song, he went back into My Sould Loves Jesus 8O All I could do was say Lord help me to play this song Lord help me please :cry: I need chords please, or maybe some theory or better yet a midi. So basically he sang for about 15 minutes and for the whole time that he sang I did not play a single note. Lord help me to see the light
In my opinion, you did the right thing. If you don't know what you doing, don't do anything. Also, don't feel bad because somebody playing a song you don't know. If you don't know it, then you just don't know it. They'll make it through the song with or without you just fine. It ain't nothing worse than a musician playing something completely different than what the singer is singing, and he/she is throwing everything off. It is better not to play, than to play loud and wrong just to have some music.
When people come to our church singing songs I don't know, I just sit there and look at them. I don't feel bad not one bit. They need to have they own musicians there then they won't have to sing acapella. I'll try to see if I can figure something out, but if not then I won't play nothing. It's not the end of the world cuz you can't follow every song that everybody sing.
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Sometimes people can't pick up songs because they dont have a good ear. some people have the ability to pick up a song real quick. I am the type of person If I hear a song I instantlly know it but sometimes if I can't pick it up well I'll just "Fake it til I Make it"
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nah, i agree with the above post...........its better to try.....just sittin there doesn't help anything, its better to atleast attempt to play the song
Yeah, I send the notion...because in your attempts you are bettering your ear. If you sit there then you won't know to use the keys to ur advantage. On the other hand it does need to be low b/c if it is a hinderance to the service and you just can't get the song at all! DONT PLAY!...instead go home and practice it.
But trying to learn a song on the spot is great "training your ear" practice!
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Sometimes people can't pick up songs because they dont have a good ear. some people have the ability to pick up a song real quick. I am the type of person If I hear a song I instantlly know it but sometimes if I can't pick it up well I'll just "Fake it til I Make it"
Sometimes I think that's my middle name! LOL! :D
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I hope you are feeling all the love
I have been playing in church for five years and I have my moments this week those two songs should be what you work on he sang them for 15 minutes you should practice them at home so that if anyone sings anything like that song you will be able to play
for every song you learn there are 20 other songs that are similar to it so if you learn five songs you are learning a 100 so
my advice is subscribe to rhapshody or yahoo and punch in shine on me and what ever song you are having trouble with and you will probably get 20 versions of it pick one you like and try to play it by ear
it takes a lot of work but
learn the melody and the bass line first
then work out the notes in between
it will come
dont get fustrated
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I just wanted to echo all the encouragement that's being said and also say don't get discouraged or frustrated to the point where you want to quit or leave. I can not express the invaluable training you are getting. My advice would be to try to find chords that you already play with other songs and develop an understanding of where they go when your pastor gets up to sing. After you hear certain things for so long you will find out what fits. Just don't give up, your musical breakthrough is coming. Soon you'll be able to change keys with him when he's singing off-key and whatnot. Keep the faith. God bless!