Would you like a simple, effective way to enliven congregational singing? Try playing in a different key. Read Timothy Shaw’s post on Prelude Music Planner to find out more.
Piano/Organ Repertoire for Advent/Christmas
It’s never too early for musicians to begin thinking about the holiday season. Read Timothy Shaw’s article on Prelude Music Planner, Christmas in July: Piano/Organ Repertoire for Advent/Christmas. This includes suggestions of 10 different collections, as well as links to free downloads of some classical pieces (through IMSLP).
Piano Music for Wedding Ceremonies
Playing for any weddings this summer? Need some new piano music to enliven your repertoire? Read Timothy Shaw’s article on Prelude Music Planner: Piano Music for Wedding Ceremonies. This includes suggestions of 25 sacred and classical pieces, with links to free downloads of the classical pieces (through IMSLP).
How to Re-harmonize Hymns
Have you ever wanted to learn how to re-harmonize hymns, to accompany congregational singing? Timothy Shaw’s blog post on Prelude Music Planner provides a 5-step process on how to do this. Check it out here, and be sure to download the free re-harmonization of the hymn “Gethsemane” (link at bottom of post).
Two- and Three-Part Choir Music
Choosing repertoire for church choirs is one of the most difficult, time-consuming tasks of all choir directors, whether they direct larger or smaller choirs. There are some unique challenges facing those who direct smaller choirs, though. To support you in your work, Timothy Shaw has written a blog post on the topic (with 25 anthem suggestions) on Prelude Music Planner. Check it out here.
Choral Arranging in 10 Steps
Have you exhausted your budget for new music but find yourself in need of a few more pieces to round out the upcoming choral season? Have you been unable to find a choral setting of a hymn you love? Have you always been curious about how the creative process works? Read Timothy Shaw’s blog post on Prelude Music Planner to follow a ten-step process that could help you to create your own music: click here.
20 Time-Saving Tips for Church Musicians
Do you feel like there’s never enough time to get done everything you need (or want) to get done? Read Timothy Shaw’s blog post on Prelude Music Planner about 20 time-saving tips for church musicians: click here.
Unison Choral Singing
Have you tried unison choral singing lately? Read Timothy Shaw’s post on Prelude Music Planner to discover the benefits of unison choral singing, along with repertoire suggestions to use with your choir: click here.
What Is Your Philosophy of Worship and Music?
Everyone who serves in pastoral and/or music ministry has a philosophy of worship and music that impacts how they approach their work. What is yours? Read Timothy Shaw’s blog post on Prelude Music Planner for some ideas on developing a philosophy that makes sense for you.
Blog Post on Prelude Music Planner
Timothy Shaw’s premiere blog post on Prelude Music Planner (Augsburg Fortress) is now up. It’s titled, “Thanksgiving: The Antidote to Worry,” and church musicians may find it helpful during this month of thankfulness.
Shaw Music 