 |
 |
Tips for Congregational Accompanying at the Piano
By Ryan Smith
The type of congregational accompanying that fosters vibrant corporate singing necessitates a skill set that is unique from other forms of accompanying. In comparison to choral accompanists or collaborative pianists, the congregational accompanist plays a larger leadership role. The pianist assumes the responsibility of a conductor by providing the musical components such as tempo, pacing, and entrance cues. This brief article identifies five specific leadership requirements of congregational accompanying along with suggestions for enhancing the pianist’s skills.
The hymn’s introduction is the first aspect to consider. An introduction establishes both the song’s melody and a clear tonality. Hymnals usually identify the introduction with brackets. When an introduction is not specified, however, it is important to establish enough phrases to familiarize the congregation with the hymn before they begin singing.
The introduction must be played in the same tempo as the hymn is to be sung. This is of great importance, as a steady tempo provides rhythmic stability to the congregation. When the introduction is long, the pianist often feels the temptation to rush. For the congregation’s benefit, it is wiser to play with a disciplined, steady beat in the same tempo as one would expect to sing the hymn. One can adjust slightly when the congregation begins singing.
The hymn’s tempo is the second aspect that the pianist must evaluate. Prior to a solo vocal performance, the pianist and singer decide upon a tempo. A congregational accompanist, with the advice of a strong singer, should likewise plan tempi prior to accompanying hymns. The pianist might also consider humming or singing along with the congregation so that he breathes with the congregation. When the pianist fails to consider breathing, the hymn is either too fast to catch one’s breath or too slow to carry the phrases. The accompanist is responsible to establish and maintain an appropriate tempo so that the congregation can
