May 2008 Music Column

Have you ever been to a church where the experience of hymn singing was plain bad? If so, I'll bet it had nothing to do with the congregation's ability to sing. Rather, it was probably the result of poor leadership. Whether one has limited skill in playing or is an accomplished musician, learning to lead a congregation is essential. And, believe it not, one's level of ability on an instrument is not the main criterion for being able to do this well. I have seen many organists who can wow people with their technical skills, yet do not have the first clue about leading congregational singing.

While I have had a lot of musical training in singing, the piano is definitely not an instrument that I have mastered. I began playing for services in 1990, when there was no one else to do it, but over the last eighteen years I have learned to work around my limitations. Here is what I have learned.

I think that success in hymn leadership starts with the musical introduction. Remember to keep it simple so that people know what and when to sing.

1. If a tune is unfamiliar or newly learned, play a single melody line so that people can hear it pure and uncluttered.
2. A harmonized introduction is fine, as long as it is straightforward. Save the fancy stuff for well-known hymns and last verses.
3. Leading with a guitar can be tricky, as many find it difficult to pick up a tune from guitar chords. It helps if the leader gives a nod when it is time to start, and then lead with a strong singing voice. If a song is unknown, teach the tune first. Not doing this is only invites disaster.
4. Play the introduction at the speed you would like people to sing it. Do not slow it down just as people are about to sing. Play a whole verse introduction when the hymn is not very familiar, if your congregation is slow at finding the right page, or if the hymn is short.
5. Play a short introduction when the hymn is very well known, if there are many verses, or the verses are long. (In Common Praise, small brackets above the music indicate suggested phrases to play for shorter intros.)

The speed at which a hymn is played is probably the second most important consideration.

1. Read the words. This is will give you a sense of the mood and speed required!
2. Take the size of the congregation and the building into account. A larger congregation may need a slower tempo in order to keep together. This would also be true in a large, older church where there may be a time delay in the sound.
3. Listen to the congregation. Allow them time to breathe at the end of phrases/verses. Neither let them drag. Remember that you are the leader.
4. Never allow the music to lose its rhythmic vitality by slowing down at the ends of lines. Keep a consistent, rock solid pulse going.
5. Traditional hymns tend to be homophonic (one chord for every syllable). When there is a lot of chord repetition, sometimes accompanists fall into the habit of banging out every beat, resulting in a sluggish and less than musical rendition. My solution is to play the same chords less often in the left hand. (i.e. in 4/4 time play only on beats one and three.) Another solution is to play broken chords in the left hand. This gives forward movement to an otherwise static hymn.

I firmly believe that the role of a church musician is to provide leadership and support to the best of his or her ability. If the music is tricky, fake it! Find a way to simplify it. Leave notes out. There is no law that says you have to play every one. The main thing is to have a melody and a solid bass line, and then fill in what you can. Finally, play with confidence. If you lead well your congregation will follow.