10 things not to say to your church pianist

February 22, 2010 in Church Music Ministry with 7 Comments

Here’s a list of ten things you probably shouldn’t say to your church pianist, whether or not they’re true.

  1. That song was one of my favorites. What was the name of it, again?
  2. You play like a man.
  3. Thanks for your offertory. It gave me just enough time to read the church bulletin from cover to cover.
  4. You did a great job. Did you ever take piano lessons?
  5. I would give my left arm to be able to play like you.
  6. That was the best you’ve ever played. I only heard a few mistakes.
  7. Did you sneak a Paul McCartney tune in your prelude?
  8. How exactly did your song selection fit with the rest of the worship service?
  9. I’m dizzy after hearing you play all those notes!
  10. You sounded much better when I turned off my hearing aids.

Can you add to this list? What else should be left unsaid regarding church pianists?

Related posts:

  1. Advice for the busy church pianist
  2. Church Pianist Seminar with Faye López
  3. Church Pianist Seminar
  4. When things don’t go as planned
  5. Church Choir Survey

7 Responses to “10 things not to say to your church pianist”

  1. Nathan February 23, 2010 at 2:21 pm #

    “I really liked that song. When I die, would you play that at my funeral?”

  2. Matt February 25, 2010 at 4:16 pm #

    “I feel sorry for the piano after that number.”

  3. Paul Schmutzler March 4, 2010 at 8:48 am #

    I have to disagree with one of those. Being a man, I find it a compliment when I get the “play like a man” comment. In fact, I get that often from several members of our congregation. It helps me know that I’m differentiated from the ladies that play.

  4. James March 5, 2010 at 10:48 pm #

    Paul, I have to agree… it’s not such a bad thing if people tell “male” pianists they play like a man. As far as I can tell, I think what they mean is we play with a stronger touch. Anyone else know what it means exactly?

  5. Mama Squirrel May 25, 2010 at 9:26 pm #

    “You sounded so much better this week!”

  6. Jeff September 17, 2010 at 11:06 pm #

    Ditto, Paul. Never found it a handicap to play like a man.

  7. Ben Everson September 27, 2010 at 5:02 pm #

    Church member: “I heard you’re moving away this week.”
    Church Pianist: “Yes, we’re moving out of town.”
    Member: “We’ll miss you.”
    Pianist: “I’m sure you folks will get somebody better than me.”
    Memember: “I doubt that. That’s what they said the last time.”

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