Some simplification ideas

I have recently heard from some Ward Choir directors asking for simpler music for inexperienced accompanists. Though I do try to keep the accompaniments easy, some pianists still struggle with even fairly simple piano parts.

Here are a couple of ways that an accompanist can “cheat” and simplify the written music somewhat. For instance, when there are octaves in the Bass part, the top note can be played alone instead of both. Another idea is to just play the arpeggios or chords in the Bass Clef with both hands and let the choir carry the melody by themselves without playing the Treble Clef. Another trick is to skip the middle notes (the Tenor and Alto) in a chord and just play the very bottom notes and the very top notes.

I admire all those accompanists out there who are willing to try even though it is hard. We are all amateurs just doing to best we can to serve where we are asked.