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Instrumentalists

In a modern Church band setting instrumentalists often have a hard time. Because of the flexibility in worship and the modern software that enables us to change key at the press of a button, it is essential for instrumentalists to be familiar with, and develop playing by ear. The software on the stage can offer the option of looking at the printed music as well as the Chords, but if we are in a different key to the music, you will need to be able to transpose, AND we may not stick to the rigid structure of the song as it is written in the music. Quite a challenge, and a challenge that isn't easily faced unless you are willing to practice and practice using your ear and using musical notes as a guide only. Instrumentalists are encouraged to make as many practices as they can so they can play in the background and make mistakes (which is part of getting it right). 

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You don't need to play the tune! It is ok to play long notes based on the current chord we are on! And if you know the scale the music is in well enough, you can improvise little phrases, or harmonies. You also do not have to play all the time! A little phrase here and there is often all that is needed. 

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PRACTICE

It is essential that you get to know your scales and arpeggios. If we are singing "Lord I come to You" in D, you need to know the scale of D backwards and forwards. It is also great practice to play along with music at home. Find a worship music youtube video and practice playing long notes along with the song you are listening to. 

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KNOWING THE SONGS

For everyone in the band it is really useful to have got to know the songs during the week, at least listening to them so that you know how they go. 

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