Unlocking Piano by Ear - Intermediate Hymn Playing

Learn how to hear and identify intervals between notes on a major scale.

Building on the concepts learned in the previous lesson, this session focuses on identifying and playing common hymn chord progressions. Students will explore the I-IV-V and ii-V-I progressions, learning to recognize these patterns by ear. Through practice exercises in multiple keys, students will enhance their ability to play hymns confidently and fluently without relying on sheet music.

This lesson dives into the process of harmonizing hymn melodies. Students will learn how to select appropriate chords that complement a melody, using the I-IV-V and ii-V-I progressions as a foundation. The instructor will demonstrate techniques for adding depth to melodies, including the use of passing chords, encouraging students to experiment with harmonization in their favorite hymns.

In this session, students will take their harmonization skills to the next level by incorporating advanced harmonies and variations. The instructor will introduce seventh chords, suspended chords, and harmonic substitutions, showcasing how these elements can enhance hymn playing. Students will practice integrating these techniques into their arrangements, fostering creativity and expression in their music.

Focusing on the importance of rhythm and dynamics, this lesson will teach students how to add energy and expressiveness to their hymn accompaniments. The instructor will demonstrate various rhythmic patterns and dynamics to elevate the overall performance. Through guided exercises, students will learn to apply these concepts to their playing, enhancing their ability to engage an audience during worship.

In the final lesson of the section, students will learn to integrate all the techniques covered throughout the program into complete hymn arrangements. The instructor will guide students in creating dynamic and varied accompaniments using chord progressions, harmonization, rhythmic variations, and advanced techniques. Students will be encouraged to experiment with their unique interpretations, preparing them for real-world applications in church settings.

In this lecture, we explore advanced harmonic techniques to enhance gospel hymn arrangements, using the song "Because He Lives" as our primary example. The focus is on creating richer, more dynamic accompaniments that are suitable for solo or prelude performances. Key concepts include the introduction of the minor 2 chord (B♭ minor), how to use the Circle of Fifths to create smooth harmonic transitions, and how to incorporate passing chords and chord substitutions to add variety and color to your playing.

You’ll learn how to:

• Integrate the minor 2 (ii) chord as a passing chord to the 5 (V) chord.

• Apply the Circle of Fifths to understand harmonic relationships.

• Use F7 (the V7 of ii chord) to resolve into B♭ minor.

• Experiment with chord substitutions, such as replacing B♭ minor with G♭ major, to add creativity to your arrangements.

By the end of this lecture, you'll be able to apply advanced harmonic techniques to enrich your hymn arrangements and move beyond basic progressions, making your playing more expressive and professional.

The focus of this lecture is on major seventh chords, which add richness and complexity to hymn harmonies. The instructor explains how seventh chords are formed by adding the seventh note of the scale to a triad and demonstrates their effect on hymns by using practical examples. Students practice replacing regular triads with seventh chords, learning how these chords can create tension and lead to resolutions, enhancing the overall emotional depth of the music.

In this session, students learn about suspended chords, which replace the third of a chord with the second or fourth note of the scale. The instructor explains how "sus" chords create a sense of anticipation or unresolved tension, and students practice using them within hymns to add a touch of drama. Through exercises, students experiment with replacing regular chords with suspended chords and resolving them back, focusing on enhancing expression within the hymns.

The topic of this lecture is harmonic substitution, a technique for replacing standard chords with alternative ones that share some notes but offer a different harmonic color. The instructor demonstrates how substituting chords, like replacing a G major (V) with a B minor (iii), can add unexpected twists to the harmonies. Students practice applying harmonic substitutions to create variations, learning how different substitutions affect the mood and character of the hymn.

This lesson explores modulation, which is the technique of changing keys within a hymn to add variety and contrast. Students learn about common modulations, such as moving from the tonic to the dominant key or to the relative minor, and practice using pivot chords for smooth transitions. The instructor guides students through exercises to modulate between keys, emphasizing how modulation can enhance the emotional impact of a performance.

The final lecture focuses on the importance of intros and endings, which frame hymns and give performances a polished and professional feel. Students learn how to create simple chordal intros, melodic intros, and various types of endings, including cadences and tag endings. The instructor demonstrates how to combine these elements for a cohesive performance, and students practice creating seamless transitions from the intro to the hymn and from the hymn to the ending.

This lesson focuses on how rhythmic variations can transform a hymn's feel and flow. The instructor covers techniques like syncopation, arpeggiation, and altering note values to add energy and interest to familiar hymns. Students learn to shift rhythmic emphasis, break chords into arpeggios, and experiment with note lengths to create more dynamic and engaging accompaniments. Exercises encourage applying these variations to enhance the hymn’s character without overpowering the melody.

This session introduces passing chords as a tool for creating smoother transitions between main chords in a hymn. The instructor explains how passing chords bridge the gap between two main chords, adding harmonic interest and fluidity. Students practice identifying opportunities to use passing chords, choose appropriate ones, and experiment with adding them to both hands to enhance overall harmony. Emphasis is placed on finding the right balance so passing chords feel like a natural part of the progression.

This lesson explores how to incorporate arpeggios into hymn accompaniment to add depth and texture. The instructor breaks down different arpeggio patterns, such as ascending, descending, and mixed patterns, showing how each can affect the mood and flow of a hymn. Students practice balancing arpeggios with the melody, ensuring they support rather than overshadow the main tune. Exercises encourage experimenting with various patterns to find the most effective combinations for different hymns.

In this lecture, students learn how to add expressiveness to hymn melodies using grace notes and passing tones. The instructor demonstrates how grace notes provide quick, ornamental flourishes, while passing tones smooth out transitions between main notes. Students practice incorporating these elements into hymns to create more intricate and expressive melodies, focusing on subtle, tasteful embellishments that enhance without overwhelming the original tune.

This session introduces the lively, rhythmic style of Southern Gospel hymn playing. Students learn about key characteristics of the style, including rhythmic drive, embellishments like grace notes and octave jumps, and rich harmonies with extended chords. The instructor explains how to incorporate rhythmic patterns such as the 'boom-chick' and syncopated 'backbeat,' as well as how to add common embellishments to make hymns more energetic and expressive. Exercises focus on applying these techniques to create joyful, dynamic performances.

In this lecture, students dive into the use of extended chords, such as sixths, sevenths, and ninths, to add depth and richness to hymns. The instructor demonstrates how to build these chords and apply them in simple progressions, showing how they can enhance the overall sound of the hymn. Students practice incorporating extended harmonies into their playing, focusing on creating a full, expressive sound that adds emotional impact without complicating the melody.