Have you discovered how it doesn’t always work to play the first and last phrase of a hymn for an introduction? A lot of church pianists have been asking me for help in the area of piano introductions.

Sometimes it works to just use phrases from the verse for the whole  introduction.  In today’s example, I share two ways of playing an introduction for “Wonderful Words of Life”.  Decide which example sounds best to you.  I prefer the first example because the melody follows a more logical flow as opposed to the second introduction.

Click here for: Piano Introductions (part two)

I do plan to share more introduction tips and examples!

Click here for: Piano Introductions (part one)

It’s true…there is no friend like Jesus 🙂  The words to “No Not One” are a blessing to me but I like to dress up the accompaniment to bring the text to life.

I’m sharing another simple congregational  accompaniment for “No Not One” (verse only).  I like to alter the melody for variety and sometimes I’ll chord in place of the melody to avoid a “ploddy” tone or maybe for easier hand movement.

Click here to download: No Not One Example #2

Measure #1

Right hand: beat two and three (altered melody) Just played a stepwise movement contrary to the melody…adding a nice contrast in sound.  Beat four: played a G inverted quarter note chord in place of two eight notes for the words “is so”.  Why? Easier hand movement leading into the next chord of measure #2

Measure #2:

Right hand: beat one and two (played half note chord in place of two quarter notes for word: “lowly”.  The melody notes for this word belong in the C chord so the C chord fit nicely.

Measure $3:

I transferred the improvised (eighth note idea) from the right hand to the left hand for this second verse. To see verse one example, click on the link at the bottom of this page.

Measure #8:

Where’s the melody?!  🙂   It’s ok to wander away from the melody here and there to add  extra spice!  How do I come up with this idea? Well,  first off…I know my chord structure for that measure which is…G chord, D7chord and back to a G chord for words: “No, not one!”  I basically used a stepwise movement that included stepping tones within a G chord to a D chord and ended on a G chord. Now…for a challenge…try to apply this same improvising idea to another song.

Hmmm….I need to create another article to illustrate HOW to apply this last improvising idea to other hymns with similar structure.  Once you apply an idea to several hymns…you will find yourself feeling more confident and you’ll begin to  implement this idea into your own hymnplaying 🙂

 Click here to see Example #1 for “No Not One” simple congregational accompaniment

Click here: God of Our Fathers  (print music and view  while reading the information below)

As promised, here is part two of “God of Our Fathers”.  I used dotted rhythm in measures # 9, 12 and 14 to liven up the accompaniment.

The busy left hand octave movement was also added to give this hymn some driving motion as in measures #11, 12, 15 and 17.  (Also in the  right hand on measure #14)

This free arrangement of God of Our Fathers can also be used as a short patriotic offertory or for congregational piano accompaniment.

God of Our Fathers part one

Complete audio of “God of Our Fathers”  (computer-generated)

Click here to download and print part one of “God of Our Fathers”

“God of Our Fathers” is a wonderful hymn to sing anytime of year, but especially around July 4th. This stately hymn reminds Christians of God as their leader. 

In part one of today’s free arrangement of “God of Our Fathers” I tried to portray the majestic mood of the text by solid octave movement in the left hand and full chords in the right hand. 

The introduction (trumpet fanfare) was doubled (both hands) for a fuller sound.  The octave higher treatment gave it a brighter tone.

In measure five, I added a light touch of syncopation to the left hand  for text enrichment.  The words for this measure speak of God’s  “…almighty hand”.

Congregational singing plays such an important role in the worship service.   As a church pianist, I try to play with enthusiasm, since I represent the Lord in all I do.  I want others to know that I truly believe the words of the great hymns of faith as I play them for God’s glory.

To be honest, I don’t always feel energetic on a Sunday morning when I’ve had maybe a couple hours of sleep… but God is good. He gives me just enough energy to make it through. I’ve found I do better during those times.  I think it’s because I’m relying more on His help…as I should ALWAYS do 🙂

Part two of “God of Our Father’s” will take us up an octave as we prepare for the climax of this great hymn.  Looking forward to sharing the rest!

Click here to read the story behind “God of Our Fathers”

It’s hard to believe that July 4th is so close!  Since I’ve been so busy…it takes less time for me to write an arrangement as opposed to a strict “teaching” article.  Today’s free piano arrangement of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” is arranged for congregational singing.

The hymnal version (voice parts) contain a lot of repeated notes making it necessary for the church pianist to create a more interesting sound to bring it to life!

In part one of this free arrangement…I added the vocal score above the piano score… so you could see what I’m playing as opposed to the written voice parts from the hymnal. I’ll provide an audio after I share the entire arrangement with you.

Click here for free congregational piano arrangement of: Battle Hymn of the Republic (Part One)

 One of my readers recently asked if I knew where to find an arrangement of  “This Little Light of Mine” that wasn’t so elementary that a choir could sing to. Well…I decided to write an arrangement of “This Little Light” and really enjoyed creating it!

Since my time is limited due to the busy month of May…much to your advantage…everyone receives this  arrangement…FREE… since that’s all I’ve had time to do this week 🙂

There are so many word variations to this song. You’re welcome to substitute your own verses 🙂

Let me say a big “thank you” to Sharon for unknowingly inspiring me to write this piano/choir arrangement of “This Little Light of Mine” 🙂

Click here to download “This Little Light of Mine”

I do not hear this song much anymore but it’s in most of our church hymnals and carries a comforting message of God’s protection over his children.

A friend of ours emailed the following video of “God Will Take Care of You” that’s absolutely a blessing!  Just thought I’d share it with those of you who may not have seen it yet.

How long should a piano introduction be?  What part of the song do I play for the introduction?  

I hope the following video and free pdf sheet of piano introduction examples will benefit church pianists needing guidance in this area.

Free PDF Sheet: Piano-Introductions-Part-One 

Piano introductions play a vital role in the music of the church service.  Listen to the following audios and decide for yourself which one better prepares the congregation to enter with confidence.

Jesus is Coming Again (introduction #1)

Jesus is Coming Again (introduction #2)

Why are piano introductions so important?   I plan on answering this question and sharing several introduction examples from commonly used hymns in the next article on piano introductions for congregational singing.

His Eye is on the Sparrow has always been a favorite of mine.  On a recent visit to my parent’s house…I accompanied my dad to sing this old but comforting hymn.

Dad has always taught me to “feel” the words when I play or sing.  He seems to make the words come to life as he sings from his heart to the Lord.  Thanks Dad for being such a wonderful teacher!  Thanks to a patient Mom who made me practice piano which prepared me for years of service to the Lord in the music ministry.

Please allow the message of this song to soothe your soul 🙂