Free Improvising Ideas for Wonderful Words of Life
I honestly had to think REALLY hard to come up with some FRESH ideas…considering this particular hymn uses only three different chords…G, C, and D. (I wrote this in mind for congregational singing).
The following free pdf of “Wonderful Words of Life” contains ideas for one verse. The vocal score (melody only) is included as a guide for the church pianist.
Our church sings this hymn at a fairly peppy tempo…making for a simple, straightforward accompaniment. Adding too many notes to a fast tempo… would tend to drag the speed.
I will provide an audio below for the suggested speed of this piano accompaniment…when my computer and I can get along.
Special note: A slower tempo of this hymn would allow the pianist to add even more fill-ins! (another lesson)
Click here to download: Free Improvising Ideas for Wonderful Words of Life (one verse)
Since finding your site, I have throughly enjoyed it. I find your tips to be extremely helpful. Since my skills can be classified as late elementary to early intermediate, your clear instructions on this piece is enabling me introduce a new hymn to my small congregation. As you may well know, singing safe favorites can become boring to the pianist and the congregation, so when you provide a piece that asks me to stretch my skills, I am grateful. Keep up the good work and blessings with the new gradchildren. It seems yours are arriving about the same time as mine.
Thanks Dorothy. You are always so encouraging 🙂
It helped to hear what level you were coming from.
I plan to share the chorus pretty soon.