“In the Garden” is such a peaceful; reflective hymn.  I don’t hear it used much anymore.  This free piano arrangement of “In the Garden” (part one) shares some accompaniment ideas for the church pianist.

Editor notes for “In the Garden” (Part One) Accompaniment

As an accompanist, it’s not necessary for me to play the melody for every word…maybe just a few here and there to give the soloist (whether vocal or instrumental) some support.

I start with melody for the first several words and then ease into more of an accompaniment style.   By measure three, I’m really into a free-style…just staying within the chord frame and being creative.

Notice how the accompaniment flows freely into each new chord change. In other words…it’s best to maintain a smooth transition from one chord to the next for this particular hymn…producing a peaceful mood.

In measure 8…most soloists will slow down on the word “discloses”.  The piano accompaniment can still maintain a steady but slower flow through the ritard.

I look forward to sharing the chorus of “In the Garden” in part two of this free piano arrangement.

“In the Garden” part one

Here’s a free piano hymn arrangement of “Since I Have Been Redeemed”.

I’m training one of my piano students to be a church pianist.   She is in level 3B of Faber Adventure series and has enjoyed learning to play this hymn arrangement of “Since I Have Been Redeemed”.

This arrangement works well for the pianist that can’t reach an octave span as of yet.

 More arrangements like this will be available in the near future for beginning church pianists.

Since I Have Been Redeemed

Here is part two (the remainder) of How Great Thou Art in G Major.

It’s probably the shortest part two I’ve done in a while

This free arrangement is written with the beginning church pianist in mind.

A more advanced church pianist can add their own embellishments to this arrangement.

I was just wanted to provide this hymn in a lower key for church pianists having to accompany bass or alto vocal solos.

How Great Thou Art (part two) of free piano arrangement

I’m offering another free arrangement entitled “How Great Thou Art” to church pianists. This will be part one.

How many church pianists have needed to play How Great Thou Art in a lower key?  I have… plenty of times.  I usually play How Great Thou Art  in G major when accompanying male solos. Altos also like this key.

 This free arrangement (part one)  is written at a basic level; allowing the pianist freedom to add their own embellishments.  The arrangement contains chords not found in the hymnal version of “How Great Thou Art”.

Church pianists are always needing hymns in lower keys. Periodically, I will provide such arrangements.

Every church pianist can use a free piano hymn arrangement:)   “Jesus Loves Me”, although sung mostly by children, is still an excellent hymn to play for offertory sometime.

This arrangement is best suitable for the pianist attending a small church.

I hope you enjoy this simple, homespun offertory.

Click title below to get your free arrangement:

Piano  Hymn Arrangement of “Jesus Loves Me”

Post by Jenifer Cook

James Koerts and I attended the same church many years ago. I have always enjoyed his style of playing. 

He has an excellent website that offers resources to church musicians. You’ll find several free sacred piano arrangements as well!  My favorite arrangement is  For the Beauty of the Earth.

His latest piano tip article entitled, Tips for Playing Piano Preludes, emphasizes how the songs used in the prelude should be familiar to the congregation…so important! 

 Visit Jame’s website at koertsmusic.com

Just to let you know… I’m compiling a list of free piano music that I’ve offered over time on this website or elsewhere.

There are vocal arrangements of different sorts and piano solos.

You can find this free music at the top of the page under the music store title.