Just re-published “Then Sings My Soul” formerly known as “How Great Thou Art”.

I was asked by the music company that  owns the lyrics to the words of “How Great Thou Art” to rename this arrangement or otherwise pay royalties for the use of the phrase “How Great Thou Art”.

I personally don’t feel they can universally own the phrase “How Great Thou Art” but sincerely want to stay above board on this issue.  (It’s been and is still a very controversial issue with others besides myself).

The reason for my delay was trying to locate the original file to rename the arrangement.  I just found the file this morning while rummaging through old files that I had searched before numerous times.  (I was thinking the file had been lost a couple years ago when I accidentally deleted alot of my music files)

I’ve had MANY requests for this arrangement since taking it offline for awhile during the re-naming process.

Thanks for your interest!  I truly enjoy writing for you all!

Then Sings My Soul

Advanced sacred piano solo, 4 pgs. One of Jenifer's best sellers! See video below

Price: $5.00

One of my church pianist readers recently requested that I provide some helpful tips on how to play glissandos.

One of the trickiest technical moves in my How Great Thou Art  piano arrangement is the glissando found on page four.   (Shown below)

Glissando Tips

1.  Notice the  three tenuto (line marks) under the left hand in measure 29.  These marks are pointing out the melody for the words “…then sings my…”.  Emphasize the melody and keep the glissando volume in the background (little softer than left hand).

2. The right hand begins the glissando with the index finger immediately after the left hand plays the G octave with the first tenuto (line) mark.  (It happens to be the same G as the left thumb just finished playing in the G octave).

3. Start the glissando with your right hand index finger…flipping the right hand over after the index finger starts.  The index finger and 3rd finger will glide across the keys in an upside down, horizontal position.  Once the index finger begins…the third finger will carry the brunt of the notes as you glide upward.  The index finger will act more as a support and guide for the third finger.  Just remember….the third finger is longer so it naturally has better contact of the keys.

4.  Word of caution to church pianists:  Glide across keys in a lightweight; relaxed fashion to avoid sore fingers 🙂

Visual Tips for the Glissando in How Great Thou Art

After publishing a video of me playing “How Great Thou Art” in a nursing home…I began receiving requests on youtube and my website for a copy of this arrangement.  The funny thing about this arrangement…it was spontaneous.

After at least two years in the make (on and off–during this time frame)…I am about to put the finishing touches on this arrangement. It will be available by March 15th !

Keep in mind…the arrangement of “How Great Thou Art” won’t be exact note for note as played but…will be VERY close 🙂 It took me about 20 minutes to re-create about 3 measures at a time.  I would watch my youtube video by the piano and pause ALOT to write what I heard.

Thanks to all who encouraged me to write this arrangement of “How Great Thou Art”.

I’m offering another free arrangement entitled “O-Store-Gud” to church pianists. This will be part one.

How many church pianists have needed to play O Store Gud in a lower key?  I have… plenty of times.  I usually play O Store Gud 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 “O-Store-Gud”.

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

Click here to download O Store Gud (part one)

Click here to download O Store Gud (part two)