'Talk Music' & 'Transitional Music'

[travesty]

Hey everyone,
I know this topic probably has been asked before, but I'm new to LGM, & this is my first post .  I was wondering if anyone could help me w/ two areas.  One is 'talk music'.  I have no idea of how to play it!  I've just started playing in my church recently, and also am fairly new to playing by ear.  Right now, when the pastor is just talking, or when they are transitioning into offering, or just any dead spots in the service when music would be appropriate, I just sit there, b/c I don't know what to play!  So I feel awkward and stupid, b/c I know the people know that if an experienced musician was playing, he/she'd be doing something.  So that's the first area.

The second is transitioning between songs (which I bet has been covered before).  What are the basics in transitioning between songs, i.e. fast song to another fast song, fast to slow, slow to fast, etc?  Hopefully I'm being as clear as possible, but if you need clarification, please ask me for it and I'll try to explain myself better.

I'll appreciate any feedback in any format (I understand numbers, notation, sheet music, etc).  Numbers probably would be better since that's how my piano teacher has taught me by ear (ex. 1,4,5,1).

Be blessed everyone & thanks in advance for you sharing what God has given to you w/ someone else in dire need!

[cas10a]

Welcome, Travesty...

Try using the search button on your keyword topics...there is a lot of info posted on this...also visit the Music Theory Board and your questions can be answered more in depth. 

A quick answer on Talking music, just from experience, is that you can use just about any gospel song you are familiar with.  Just guessing, but most of the songs you already play and know use nice progressions, slow them down, add fills/lib.  Just be mindful of when music should be played and let the Spirit lead you.  Of course, if you're not sure at some points during the service...its best to just not play.  Also when playing try not to drown out the individual speaking...sometimes its easier to play an octave above where you would normally play.  The focus should be on the person speaking and not on the music being played. 

Hope this helps a little...I'm sure some others will reply with some examples and go a little further in depth.  God Bless!

[4hisglory]

Welcome to LGM travesty

[travesty]

Welcome, Travesty...

Try using the search button on your keyword topics...there is a lot of info posted on this...also visit the Music Theory Board and your questions can be answered more in depth. 

A quick answer on Talking music, just from experience, is that you can use just about any gospel song you are familiar with.  Just guessing, but most of the songs you already play and know use nice progressions, slow them down, add fills/lib.  Just be mindful of when music should be played and let the Spirit lead you.  Of course, if you're not sure at some points during the service...its best to just not play.  Also when playing try not to drown out the individual speaking...sometimes its easier to play an octave above where you would normally play.  The focus should be on the person speaking and not on the music being played. 

Hope this helps a little...I'm sure some others will reply with some examples and go a little further in depth.  God Bless!

Thanks for the info and insight...it's much appreciated!  I will do a search on that topic, as well as look out for other people's responses to this topic.  Thanks to the both of you for the welcome...be blessed!

[PianoWizard]

Welcome to the LGM family "travesty"......Be Blessed.

PianoWiz...

[blessedhands80]

Honestly for talk music the chief musician and I just Freestyle. What I mean by this is, we don't play a particular song, we just follow each other. If you are going to Freestyle make sure you are playing soft and not loud, not to fast nor to slow unless the service is going that way. Flow with your Pastor. This is what we do.

Hope this Helps...Be Blessed