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Sylvie Pacey

New member
Well friends at M.I.M.F I have a question and hope some of you will read and reply. I have been teaching a member of our congregation to play hymns and easy incidental music since November 2008. She has done really well, having no knowledge of reading and playing scores, or any understanding of harmony. Another member of our congregation started to learn with a music teacher from one of our local schools at about the same time and has made little or no progress. I am only teaching my pupil using chord symbols and an understanding of harmony. I have tried to find on-line tutorials teaching by this method and simplifying the instructions, but no success. Should I start a website for adults who would like to be able to play for simple church services? Here in the U.K there is a great lack of organists for small churches. Your input would be very helpful. Sylvie:):):)
 

jhnbrbr

New member
Dear Sylvie
That's a very interesting question, and I'm afraid my answer will sound discouraging, but i can't believe that adults who are absolute beginners can be trained to be acceptable accompanists in a reasonable timescale. Firstly adults learn significantly slower than children (the little beggars are cleverer than we are, but we must make sure they never find this out!) and secondly to accompany a group of singers is a whole different kettle of fish from playing the same tune at home on your own. If, on the other hand, the adult already has rudimentary keyboard skills then no doubt they could develop accompaniment skills, or move from piano to organ (manuals only) in a much shorter space of time. Otherwise, I would have thought the best answer for a small church without an accompanist would be to exploit modern technology, whether that be hymn tunes on CD, or something more exciting like an organ that can (when necessary) play itself via a MIDI interface. Sorry for a rather negative answer -maybe you will prove me wrong!
John.
 

Devon-organist

New member
Just a note on adult learners - I have to dissagree. Adults can learn just as quickly as childrem, often faster actually. I have taught several adult learners with very good results - the dedication to practice is the issue, not the age. Score reading is essentially easy and if taught in the right way playing chords or harmonies for hymns can be picked up well. Two years of lessons can easily get an adult up to standard - learn about harmony and key systems, visual chord shape recognition and practice techniques :)
 

Sylvie Pacey

New member
on-line music tutorials

Thanks for the replies, any observations are helpful. I'm surprised that you are inclined to think that adults cannot learn as well as children, jhnbrbr . In my experience an inerested adult is much easier to teach than a child who would rather be outside playing games and who won't devote time to practice regularly. Of course it is up to the teacher to provide motivation and enthusiasm for the task, but remember too that adults have heard a lot more "music" than most children. :rolleyes::rolleyes:
I find that when I am accompanying singers, I follow them, but when playing in church for a congregation is is neccessary for the organist to provide the lead in order to keep everyone singing together. I was interested to read your take on this subject Devonorganist. I firmly believe that an understanding of harmony as well as chord recognition makes the task much easier. After all, the basics of music are so logical. At least Pythagoras
seemed to think so and where would we be without him? The mention of automatic accompaniment reminds me that although it is O.K for a few hymns, the same cannot be said for Weddings and Funerals where special
songs are requested and sometimes verses omitted. Any other takes on this would be most gratefully received.Sylvie:):)
 

Sylvie Pacey

New member
on-line music tutorials

:rolleyes::rolleyes:When temperemental tenors come through the door, unanamity flies out of the window!! Sylvie
 
Last edited:
greatcyber

greatcyber

New member
Hi Sylvie,

Personally, I know that you are NEVER too old to learn. Way too many examples to the contrary to cite. However, you might want to have a check at this site: http://www.hearandplay.com/ for some very good free advice. It is directed mainly at playing the piano by ear (how I found it, I think) but also covers other instruments. There are about 60 lessons and techniques that come to your email box free just about every day. I think you may find it helpful for your friend.

I hope you are well.

Cheers.
 

Sylvie Pacey

New member
Thanks for that Stephen, I will look at that site soon as possible. At present am having ALL my electrics renewed and a new kitchen installed with all of the ensuing mess. No power for a little while. We don't realise how much we rely on it these days.
Sylvie
 
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