Hymn playing

[habakkuk1v7]

Hi guys,

Got a question on hymn playing technique.

I took piano lessons when young and only switched to organ playing later in my life (a church organist taught me for about a year). Is it bad to play the bass notes on the left hand together with the foot pedal? I was taught not to, but somehow I just get this habit of doing it. I find it difficult to correct this. Maybe I started out playing the organ too late in life and some how bad habits hard to correct?

Would like to know if this is a "taboo" thing to be seen doing?

[myorgan]

Would like to know if this is a "taboo" thing to be seen doing?

Yes and no.

To an organ purist, it is certainly taboo. From that perspective, you're duplicating efforts because the bass note is duplicated in the pedal. Therefore, you're doing more work than you actually have to do, and the rest of your technique will suffer as a result.

To a non-purist, why not play it in the left hand? Unless the pedals are coupled to the manual, you would be adding to the sound. If the pedals are coupled, your playing the bass note makes no difference at all.

I would highly recommend, however, doing the work to correct the habit, though. Your other manual technique is probably suffering because of this habit, and it may/will limit your progress forward. As I don't know how you are, I can't make the decision for you regarding the time of life that is "too late" to change the habit. Others would argue that as one ages, it becomes more important to challenge yourself and discipline your mind so you don't lose it. Your choice, however.

Hope this helps a bit.

Michael

[andijah]

I find it difficult to correct this.

Yes, it is difficult, but: it's also very normal to experience these difficulties.

I'd suggest that you stop doubling the bass notes whenever you can and that you start playing different notes with the left hand and the feet. Maybe choose some easier hymns to start with and don't be angry at yourself if you continue to find your left hand wanting to "help" the feet. It took me, a classically trained pianist, almost a year to stop this habit (although I must admit I only practised about twice a week during that year. So I guess it's also my laziness that didn't help).

Anyway, you will find that your hymn playing will grow richer by using the feet independently, so I would like to encourage you to work on it. You can always go back to playing manuals only when it gets too difficult.

[habakkuk1v7]

Yes, it is difficult, but: it's also very normal to experience these difficulties.

I'd suggest that you stop doubling the bass notes whenever you can and that you start playing different notes with the left hand and the feet. Maybe choose some easier hymns to start with and don't be angry at yourself if you continue to find your left hand wanting to "help" the feet. It took me, a classically trained pianist, almost a year to stop this habit (although I must admit I only practised about twice a week during that year. So I guess it's also my laziness that didn't help).

Anyway, you will find that your hymn playing will grow richer by using the feet independently, so I would like to encourage you to work on it. You can always go back to playing manuals only when it gets too difficult.

Yes! I do feel the same way each time my left hand wants to "help" out. I understand practicing seperate hands helps but I do continue to play hymns on the piano and have to make an effort not to be lazy in switching techniques each time I play on a different instrument. I need to make an effort!

[regeron]

Hi guys,

Got a question on hymn playing technique.

I took piano lessons when young and only switched to organ playing later in my life (a church organist taught me for about a year). Is it bad to play the bass notes on the left hand together with the foot pedal? I was taught not to, but somehow I just get this habit of doing it. I find it difficult to correct this. Maybe I started out playing the organ too late in life and some how bad habits hard to correct?

Would like to know if this is a "taboo" thing to be seen doing?

First, you can relax because there are no pedal/left hand police who go around checking. :-)
Beyond that:
- do what is comfortable when accompanying hymns - first priority is that the singers feel supported by someone who isn't freaking out about whether their body parts are breaking laws.
- continue to add new techniques to your playing. Be able to play bass notes doubled in both LH and pedal. Also be able to play the bass in pedal only, with the LH taking the tenor.
- eventually expand your abilities to turn a 4-part hymn into a 3-part setting or a 5-part setting.
Check this website for other hymn-playing options. This topic has come up several times before and will no doubt come up again. If I or anyone else can find some of those helpful threads, we'll try to post some links here.

"Taboo" is related to the environment in which you work. It's also related to "transgression" which means to 'cross a line'. There are a lot of different lines. If you're taking music lessons, your teacher might establish certain lines to get you to improve your ability. Those same lines may or may not exist once you are out in the world.

[myorgan]

Check this website for other hymn-playing options. This topic has come up several times before and will no doubt come up again. If I or anyone else can find some of those helpful threads, we'll try to post some links here.

I see I'm being summoned. Here goes:

• https://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?25700
• https://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?35724
• https://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?39614
• https://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?8665
• https://www.organforum.com/forums/showthread.php?54

Hope this helps.

Michael

[habakkuk1v7]

Interesting!
Thanks guys for all your suggestions and the Moderator for the useful links (The first link mentioned the hymnal Hymns Ancient & Modern. I have that and I love the hymns!)
Will explore into the links!