Improv Notes

Welcome to Improv Notes, a feature of MarkHayes.com dedicated to equipping church pianists. The newest addition to Improv Notes explores the subject of harmonic substitution. I’ve chosen a familiar hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”, and demonstrated how you can substitute alternative harmonies at key cadence points. These are lush chords that you’ll find in my solo piano arrangements.

Because my examples contain computer generated music notation, you will need special software to download, view it, and print it out. You can go to the Adobe Acrobat software link and download the necessary software. Follow the directions at the Adobe website for downloading PDF files.

If you have problems downloading my files, please email me your name and address at mark@markhayes.com and I will send you a hard copy of Improv Notes by mail.

In the future, all past Improv Notes files will remain on this page so you that can access them at any time.

Improv Files:

Modulations for Congregational Worship

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today Modulation

Playing Leadsheets, Vol. 1

Playing Leadsheets, Vol. 2

Finishing Well (creating beautiful endings)

Creating Transitions in Praise and Worship Music

NEW ADDITION!

What A Friend We Have in Jesus (harmonic substitution)