How to be a church pianist
Ah, the music profession—one that requires pianists to string together numerous freelance jobs to pay the bills. In this world of short-term work little is more prized than a steady gig, and one of the most reliable positions a pianist can land is that of being a church pianist. Some of us who were raised in churches fell into the work early in life; others find their way into church positions through the lure of a steady paycheck and an interest in (or tolerance of) religion. Most pianists who have exposure to church services already have a sense of what the job entails. Those who have little introduction to churches (or are looking to take a gig in a different denomination than one they’re familiar with) need a little guidance on what to expect.
After beginning my church pianist career at age 12, I’ve held positions in multiple congregations and denominations. Worship styles ranged from traditional hymns to praise bands. And what I learned from my collection of church gigs is that while each congregation has individual differences, the job of church pianist remains essentially the same from church to church. Here are my suggestions to help fledgling church pianists succeed from their first Sunday on the job.
Observe a service (or two)
Before accepting a church job, plan to attend a service to learn the flow and style of worship. This is especially important if transitioning from a non-liturgical tradition to a liturgical one (or vice versa). Note when the piano plays and when it doesn’t. Mark these spots in the service bulletin if you’ve been provided with one. Also notice the style of pieces the pianist plays when playing any solo numbers.
Music style
Most Christian churches will feature one of two musical styles—traditional 4-part hymns (usually from a hymn book) or praise band pieces with lyrics projected on a screen or wall. Here are some things to note about each style:
Hymn book: 4-part hymns are written for singers, not for pianists or organists. As such, be aware that transitions between chords can be clunky and sound choppy unless the pianist knows to play phrases (like a singer) rather than plodding along one chord at a time. Furthermore, there are times when the tenor and bass parts will be too far apart to reach with the left hand. When this happens, pick up the tenor notes with right hand (along with soprano and alto) or drop the ones you can’t reach. Never drop the bass as it is the foundation of the chord.
In most churches using hymn books, pianists will either be the sole leader of the hymns or will play along with an organist. When you are a sole leader, plan to play the whole hymn (or the last phrase, depending on the congregation’s musical style) as an introduction and then lead with confidence. For more on this, read How to Play for a Sing-Along.
When working with an organist, never forget that the organ is the leader. The piano is there to provide filler and color. Plan to improvise on the hymn and add flourishes at the ends of phrases.
Praise Band: In praise bands, pianists (or keyboardists) are part of an ensemble that is usually led by singers and guitarists. The pianist’s job is to fit into the rhythm section (piano, bass, drums) and be the glue that provides harmonic structure to the rest of the group. In praise bands, pianists are expected to know how to play from lead sheets and to be comfortable improvising. For more on this, read How to Play Piano in a Band.
Incidental Music
In most churches, pianists play worshipful solo music at various points in the service. This varies from congregation to congregation, but usually includes “prelude” music (music played before the service starts—something a church musician friend of mine once dubbed “Methodist talking music”), music during the offering (something quiet and with lots of cadences so you can stop playing when the offering is done being collected), and a postlude. Postludes are usually upbeat and dramatic, and provide the only place where it is appropriate to play something slightly flashy. Before your first Sunday on the job, seek guidance on how much prelude music is expected before the service starts as this can range between 5 and 15 minutes (or more).
Church choirs
Nearly every church has a formal church choir or group of praise band singers. As pianist, be prepared to play for rehearsals each week (usually on a weeknight and a touch-up rehearsal before each Sunday service). Regardless of the style of music, much of the job will entail playing vocal parts for the singers. If you are new to choral accompanying, read How to Accompany a Choir.
Soloists
In some congregations, solo singers or instrumentalists are asked to provide a form of special music (or to perform during the offertory). These soloists will likely have a wide range of abilities and musical skills. It’s the pianist’s job to make them sound as musical as they can. If new to collaborative piano, read How to Accompany a Soloist
Christmas and Easter
These two liturgical seasons mark the busiest time of the year for church musicians, especially Easter (and the Holy Week which precedes it). Multiple services are involved, and usually extra choir rehearsals as well. There’s a reason musicians refer to Holy Week as “Hell Week” and it’s because pianists will be tied up all week playing multiple services on multiple days. If you accept a job as a church pianist, warn your family and be prepared to clear the rest of your calendar during these seasons.
Working with clergy
Most clergy have a very specific sense of how they wish the music to flow in their services. Some choose the hymns themselves (to coordinate with their sermons or homilies). Many want the hymns played at certain dynamic levels or tempi. As CEO’s of the congregation, this is their responsibility and right. As church pianist, it is our responsibility to take clergy suggestions well and to do the best we can to provide what we’re asked to provide.
Music directors
The choir conductor or praise band leader is usually the church’s music director. As such, a church pianists answers to this person and needs to accept their leadership. While the majority of music directors are hard-working musicians and good leaders, there are some who are insecure and petty. As with clergy, the pianist needs to respect the chain of command and do their best to help create a harmonious working relationship.
Church members
In every congregation there can be found a group of music lovers who are grateful for everything the pianist plays each week. These individuals are the ones who will listen to the entire postlude (and frequently applaud at the end of it) rather than exit the church at the end of the service. They’re the ones who will approach the pianist during coffee hour and compliment them on their playing and their musical choices. They’re the ones that make getting out of bed early each Sunday morning a joy rather than a hassle.
It is also true that in every congregation there will be one or two individuals who will never be happy with anything the pianist does. They’re the complainers who tell you each week that the hymns were too loud or too soft, too fast or too slow. When these people approach you, remember the music lovers who appreciate everything you play and be as gracious as you can be to the complainers. Churches are magnates for needy and unhappy people (case in point: the old Saturday Night Live skit featuring “The Church Lady”). These poor souls will never be happy with anything anyone does because they’re not happy with themselves. Treat these people respectfully, try to limit exposure to them, and be grateful that you are answering to the clergy and the music director rather than members of the congregation.
The best church pianists are ones who understand that the music they play each Sunday is part of a sacred experience for the congregation. The church may not ask pianists to sign a declaration of faith before taking the job, but it is understood that the sole purpose of services each week is to allow members of the congregation to be closer to the Divine and each other. Regardless of personal belief, church pianists must respect the reverence of the place of worship and the fragile social bonds that create a healthy church family. Pianists who do this learn that the rewards of the job go beyond the paycheck, and in the best situations find community.
Photo by Aaron Burden, courtesy of UpSplash