One of my favorite improvising ideas is adding contrast for an interesting sound. The excerpt listed above is taken from the hymn “Count Your Blessings”. The phrase is the last sentence of the last verse. This idea can be used on any of the verses at this point in song…but I like to save special effects like this for the final verse.
Here’s what helped me come up with the idea: I knew that an A7 chord was the basic chord for the first two measures of this example. So… I played “stepping notes” within the A7 chord frame and entered into a D major chord on the syllable “jour-” and back to an A7 for “ney’s” and ended with a D chord on “end”. The ascending notes in the piano score ran contrary to the melody in the vocal score…creating an energetic drive to the message of the song.
The complete arrangement of “Count Your Blessings” congregational style can be purchased below.
Price:
Looks like you have entered a product ID (65) that doesn't exist in the product database. Please check your product ID value again!
Over the past ten years, I’ve learned ALOT of theory amidst many hours of composing hymn arrangements. There’s so much more I need to learn but I just pick up tips here and there and put them to use. Now…I’ll share one of those tips with you.
The following improvising tip has made a difference in my hymnplaying; creating a more open, balanced sound. I apply this tip to my congregational and solo playing.
The following hymn example contains “Come Thou Fount” in D major and the improvising tip.
I’m visiting my parents this weekend and will have to post an article this coming week. Just finished practicing with my dad. He’s singing “Finally Home” tomorrow for a special. Now I need to practice something for offertory.
I think I’ll play a simple arrangement of a hymn since I’ve not had time to practice 🙂 I pray everyone has great Sunday services tomorrow.
Since believing on Jesus Christ at the age of 29…I can truly say: “Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine”. This became one of my favorite hymns after becoming a Christian.
Shortly after being saved I arranged an offertory that included: “Blessed Assurance, Saved by the Blood and Since Jesus Came Into My Heart”. I will have to write it out in my (ha ha) spare time.
This free sacred piano arrangement of “Blessed Assurance” is a result of preparing several of our own soon-to-be church pianists to play for congregational singing. We now have a rotational schedule for our intermediate to advanced pianists to allow them to play for our congregational singing. It’s exciting to see them gain experience to better equip them for serving the Lord.
Just discovered a practical instructional book on improvising hymns found on Alfred Publishing’s site.
This book is a great starter for the intermediate pianist who wants to improvise from the church hymnal. The pianist will learn how to do the following:
*Add tenor to the right hand
*Double the bass note
*A couple of easy-to-learn left hand fill-in ideas
*PLUS…a collection of hymns already arranged for the intermediate church pianist using the improvising ideas that are taught in the book.
Click on the following book title to view the book and sample pages!
The following short video tutorial on improvising hymns is geared to the beginning church pianist. Playing straight from the church hymnal can sound rather plain. Learning how to dress up the hymns adds a new dimension of sound! This lesson gives some simple left hand fill in ideas for the first line of “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.
Special clarification about the theory rule mentioned in this lesson concerning omitting the 3rd of the chord…The 3rd can be omitted from either hand. Wait until you see the video below to understand this explanation 🙂
The next video tutorial will reveal more improvising ideas for “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.
The hymn “Count Your Blessings” carries a great message in song but contains frequent repetitive notes providing a rather plain accompaniment for the average church pianist
Free Improvising Ideas for Count Your Blessings (congregational style)
Key of D Major
1. Use alternate bass movement (see measure #2) LH beat one…I played an ‘A’ rather than ‘D’
2. Measure #1 and #5, beat one ( no need to play every word) when playing congregational style; allows more ease of movement for the pianist.
3. The four note RH chords provide support to the singers.
4. Measure #6, notice the contrary octave movement between the hands for variety.
*Contrary movement between both hands always adds a nice touch of spice 🙂
