Musical Manners

I have been privileged to lead Church music for over three decades. As a result of my experiences, I have been fortunate to work with a variety of talented organists and pianists. While their abilities may seem effortless to some, I have come to realize that their callings require time to prepare adequately. I offer these suggestions to those who have regular or occasional need to work with accompanists.

1. Give them time to practice. Imagine if someone asked you to teach a lesson just moments before class. Would you panic? Most of us would. Yet that is similar to what we require of accompanists if we ask them right before a meeting to play an unplanned song. Granted, occasional last-minute adjustments are sometimes necessary, but they should be the exception. Most accompanists prefer at least a week’s notice. When I was ward music leader, I found it helpful and easy to provide a full month’s schedule of the hymns for sacrament meeting to both the organist and the bishopric prior to the beginning of each month. This advance planning was appreciated by everyone.

2. Review musical selections together. Depending on an accompanist’s skills, he or she may want to give feedback if the music seems too difficult. Many of the accompanists I served with were comfortable playing most of the songs from the hymnbook and Children’s Songbook, but less-familiar songs were sometimes a challenge.

3. Mutually decide the tempo beforehand. Good communication helps the music leader and accompanist work together. And advance preparation allows the accompanist to practice a song correctly.

4. Stand where they can see you. Ideally you want the congregation or those you are leading to see you clearly, but make sure that you have good eye contact with your accompanist, as well.

When the music leader and accompanist work together, they can provide inspirational music that will “create a feeling of reverence, [unify] us as members, and provide a way for us to offer praises to the Lord” (Hymns, ix).

Monna Jo Merrill, Orchard Park Ward, Ogden Utah Mount Ogden Stake

Illustrated by Joe Flores