One of my readers recently sent in the following question concerning intermediate sacred piano duets. I thought I would also share the answer with my readers who may be searching out sacred piano duets at the intermediate level.
I was wondering if you and/or Mrs. Hamilton have a book of intermediate piano duets done with one piano. I saw that you had arrangements for 2 pianos but I don’t have that luxury.
Thanks for any help that you can give me.
God bless,
Karen
My answer to Karen’s question:
I wish I did have piano duets available. Although…I do have one piano duet available in my “Showers of Blessing” book published through Soundforth.
If you’ll tell me what level you’re looking for…I may be able to list some duet books of interest. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Jenifer
Piano Duet Books
Here’s a book I recently purchased from Soundforth entitled: Like a River Glorious (intermediate piano duets arranged by Rebecca Bonam)
Hear the audio excerpts below by clicking on each title. See sample pages by clicking HERE
Just thought I’d share a free hymn piano arrangement of “Power in the Blood”. I wrote it for one of my level four students this week to use for offertory or congregational singing.
I’ve been sick since last week but feeling better each day and looking forward to sharing more ideas with you soon!
One of my readers recently asked if I would share some improvising ideas for Victory in Jesus. Since this hymn is copyrighted, I’m limited to how much of the song I can share due to the “fair use” law for copyrighted music. (Another interesting topic for a future article) 🙂
For time’s sake, I only entered the melody on the vocal score but the piano score utulizes the basic chord structure of the four voice parts from the hymnal.
Left hand accompaniment description for line one: I used an alternate bass note (D) on the third beat for variety. The note (D) fits in a “G” chord…therefore making it a good choice for an alternate bass note.
LH accompaniment description for line two: I used the same alternate bass idea. The final measure contains a busy octave stepping pattern to fill-in three counts on the word “me”. The dotted rhythm on the first two octaves adds an extra spice to the sound; making it more lively.
I know more visual examples of this hymn would be helpful but I’ve reached my limit of “fair use”. Although, I can tell you in words… that I use the alternate bass idea on the chorus too. Just look in a hymnal at the chorus. See the words “Saviour” and “blood” ? I play stepping octaves for these words with my left hand.
Just a peek at what can be done with this hymn but may provide a springboard to your own creativity!
I’m sure any church pianist would be happy to have the following sacred piano book in their collection. This Little Light of Mine contains early intermediate piano arrangements arranged by Susan Greene. (Soundforth is the publisher.) Although written with the student in mind…these arrangements apply to all ages.
The following excerpt from the arranger can be found in the book:
“In This Little Light of Mine, you will find familiar gospel songs that students can use to minister in church, recital, or informal settings. These arrangements were written for my students over the years in coordination with the concepts taught in their third and fourth level method books. Arranged in order from simplest to most difficult (followed by two duets), these pieces “grow” with the late-elementary to early-intermediate student…” ~~~~Susan Greene
Now I’ll share my personal description of This Little Light of Mine”. Two words come to mind…animated and well-structured. Seven of the nine arrangements are very lively! Most of the lively pieces do have a a slow verse, for a varied layout. Susan even included helpful fingering and pedal notations throughout the book. Another neat feature… a list of the concepts covered in each piece can be found in the back of the book.
My favorite pieces are “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” and “Countdown”. Hmmm…. I also like the two piano duets at the end of the book. “This Little Light of Mine” was really neat with all the scale activity. Ok, I like all of them!
Soundforth has agreed to give away one free book of “This Little Light of Mine”. Here’s how to enter for a chance to win this exciting sacred piano book:
Simply leave a comment on this article to enter your name once. To enter your name a second time: post a link to this specific article on your facebook,blog or twitter. Please leave a second comment on this article..showing you did so.
I just had to let my readers know what’s coming up this week…
A book review on a sacred piano arrangement book geared to the early intermediate church pianist. I’ll also provide a chance for my readers to win this book…compliments of Soundforth Publications. I just finished playing through the entire book and thorougly enjoyed each arrangement!
If my articles seem somewhat shorter lately….well…it’s because I’m on a writing spree and seriously want to write around the clock! My inspiration to write music comes in spurts and I have to take advantage of those moments.
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.
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.
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.
