[Menvi-discuss] Want to talk to blind church pianists / organists

[Dale Lieser]

Hi, Nancy,

 

I am totally blind and have been in church music many years as an
accompanist of special music, hymn playing, etc.

 

If it seems now that Timothy is pursuing the impossible, remember, God
equips us for what he has called us to do.

 

May I ask a couple questions about Timothy's abilities? (Thank you. <smile>)

 

1.       What is his strongest area of playing?

2.       What improvisation talents and experience does he have?

3.       Although it is hard to measure, how proficient has he become at
reading braille music. I realize he has just finished a course. But does
reading come fairly easily, or is it yet quite a struggle?

4.       What kind of theory training has Timothy experienced? The more the
better, in my strong opinion, concerning informed expectation when learning
new music, whether with music or improvising from audio.

5.       If his ear is good, try this site for learning hymns:
www.cyberhymnal.org

6.       In your current church does Timothy have opportunity to stretch his
playing and learning skills to know what his limits might be presently?
Then, gradually take on more and more.

 

If your son has some proficiency with a screen reader, get him involved in
this discussion directly.

 

Dale

 

 

From: menvi-discuss-bounces at menvi.org
[mailto:menvi-discuss-bounces at menvi.org] On Behalf Of Paul R. Jones
Sent: Friday, May 04, 2012 9:46 PM
To: menvi-discuss at menvi.org
Subject: [Menvi-discuss] Want to talk to blind church pianists / organists

 

 

 

Hi all:

 

My son Timothy wants me to try to put him into contact with people who are
(or know) working in a church as a pianist or organist.  He hopes to pursue
a career in church music, but is presently rather discouraged, since both
his piano and organ teachers (both sighted) were doubtful as to a blind
person's  (Braille reader only) ability to learn, every week, a new prelude,
postlude, 3 or more hymns or praise songs, choir anthem, offertory special,
and any other special music, not to mention the seasonal cantatas and
playing for weddings, funerals, etc.  Both his teachers are pushing him more
toward independent "concert" performance, but he feels called to church
music and is torn, not knowing if he is attempting to pursue the impossible
or not.

 

He has over 12 years of piano training, and 5 of organ, and has won numerous
local, state, and national awards and scholarships in both piano and organ,
as well as having performed publicly for various events and groups (from
small senior citizens' groups to state conventions). He has only light /
shadow perception, and has just finished Dr. Taesch's Braille Music Reading
course.

 

If any of you are in this line of work or know someone who is, whom he could
talk to for advice and encouragement, or if you have knowledge in this area,
please write and share.

 

Thanks, 

Nancy Jones

 

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