Koerts Music

An instrumental prelude serves to set the tone for a worship service. I’ve experienced various types of preludes, and it’s interesting to see just how effective these instrumentals can be. Sometimes, instead of setting the mood, if done properly, a prelude can actually be a reflection of the spiritual mood of the worshipers. It really is interesting to observe.

Each church has its own unique culture which contributes to the decision making process regarding preludes. Some more traditional and liturgical churches enjoy organ music. More contemporary services might just play an instrumental CD or mp3s. The services at my church tend to be more evangelistic in style, and so we enjoy hearing an acoustic piano prior to the service. There’s a sense of excitement and anticipation prior to our services, and our pianists are instrumental in that process (please forgive the pun).

Follow these simple steps to develop a piano prelude:

1. Choose five or six songs from your hymnbook that follow a theme (i.e. the blood of Christ, joy, or grace). Be sure to choose songs that vary in key and meter to provide variety.
2. Photocopy the songs and place them in a notebook. You can use plastic sheet covers so that you can easily change the order of the songs.
3. Once you’re happy with the song order, rehearse the songs and be able to improvise two stanzas. (I realize I’m leaving a big gaping hole in the process by not explaining exactly how to improvise a song. That’s where private lessons or websites like this one would come in handy.)
4. Once you feel comfortable with the improvisation process, develop transitions that segue each song to the next. (Again, you’ll need advanced learning for this.) These transitions will need the necessary modulations and meter changes to facilitate a smooth sound during the prelude.

There you have it. Now you know how to develop a piano prelude. Here are some tips and advice about the process:

Choose familiar songs your congregation will know.
In my experience, the most effective songs are the ones that communicate a message. What greater opportunity for communicating than choosing a song that the majority of the congregation will know? You might have a song that is beautiful and really speaks to you, but if the majority of the congregation doesn’t know it, there’s less of a chance that it will really speak to someone.

I’m not saying that music by itself can’t be an encouragement to people. (In fact, there are times when I think playing unfamiliar music in a worship service is appropriate and effective.) I’m just saying that you’re restricting your potential for communication (which can result in encouragement) when you play unfamiliar songs. So choose songs that are generally familiar to your entire congregation, and they will appreciate it.

Develop creative and cohesive transitions.
Creative doesn’t mean complex. Some of the most simple ideas I’ve developed have also been some of my favorite work. And believe me, simple transitions are better than dead space.

Further, make sure the transitions tie one song to the next. You’re not merely providing an introduction to the next song; you’re building a bridge from one song to the next.

Construct a prelude that enhances the service.
Hopefully you receive some type of advance information regarding the scheduled music for the worship services. Find out what the choir will be singing. Know the songs and themes of the other special music. Get a list of the congregational music used. Your initiative in this area will allow you to develop well thought out preludes that will raise your level of effectiveness.

Play with enthusiasm.
In order to do this, it might help to think about why you’re assembling together. (If it’s anything like our church, you’re assembling to worship God, give to God, fellowship with fellow believers, and respond to the preaching of God’s Word.) You have every reason to be joyful and energetic!

Although one or two slow songs might be appropriate, the best songs are going to be upbeat and evangelistic in style. Definitely begin, and end, with upbeat songs.

If you sense that a slow song seems to be dragging, it might be hindering the desired level of enthusiasm prior to the service. A quick fix is to simply change the tempo and mood at the next musical phrase, or during the refrain or next stanza.

Add variation to your preludes.
Especially if you’re the only pianist, doing the same thing week after week will become monotonous. Try playing a duet with another pianist, or a duo with another piano, keyboard, or an organ. Another nice touch is to play with a solo instrument (i.e. flute, French horn, violin, etc.) throughout.

What have you found helpful in developing and playing piano preludes?

Related posts:

1. 10 things not to say to your church pianist
2. Background Piano Music
3. Unrehearsed Moments in Worship
4. Examples of a worship order
5. Improve Your Piano Accompanying