Part II: Practical teaching
Especially in church music, there is an often uneasy relationship between guitarists and keyboardists. Some regard guitar playing as imprecise or simple-minded. And in return some regard keyboard playing as unfeeling or convoluted. But the needs of the church do not afford us the indulgence of mutual skepticism. The Church is recognizing that we need assembly song that is conceived both with guitar accompaniment and with keyboard accompaniment. Yet most church musicians are still trained as keyboardists, and are taught to play guitar-based music by transferring it to piano. This has benefits (autonomy & control) and drawbacks (a different feel & the lost opportunity to open leadership possibilities). Often the solution is to cross the lines of skepticism and embrace your ally, the guitarist.
Read More > >For those of us blessed to have brass musicians in our church, the first choice for them to play is probably Easter Sunday. But what about other times of the year? Can you use your ensemble for Christmas? Transfiguration? Lent? Where can you find music for these other services? Here are a few resources that hopefully will help you locate appropriate music.
Read More > >How do you start a handbell or handchime ministry in your congregation from the ground up?
Read More > >
What to play?
