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:
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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.
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 🙂
The chorus of Sunlight contains several twists and turns in the melody line making it tricky for the church pianist to manuveur through this peppy hymn.
Simply play more blocked chords on the main beats (one.two, three, four). I had to add an occasional sprinkle of triplets in the right hand for a lively sound. The triplets also allude to rays of sunshine as the congregation happily sings….”…sunlight, sunlight, in my soul today!”
Just use your imagination to make the music come to life…causing the congregation to sing with more enthusiasm.
I hope the accompaniment ideas I’ve shared over the past few years have helped to stimulate the creative thinking of other church pianists…encouraging them to be even more effective for the Lord as they serve Him through the ministry of music.
How about a free piano arrangement for “Sunlight”? (congregational style)
One of my adult piano students attends a church with several pianists. The songleader has setup a rotating schedule to give more of the pianists an opporunity to play for the church service. What a great idea…utulizing the people God has provided a church family 🙂
I’ve particularly enjoyed sharing improvising tips with this student. She’s so ready to learn and has shown great progress in being more mobile on the keyboard due to her being able to play at her church. The next hymn we will work with is “Sunlight”. The melody is very busy….but….relax! The pianist doesn’t need to play every single word 🙂 Just play on the main beats (1,2,3,4) and let the congregation keep up with the words.
Editor notes for today’s free piano arrangement for
Overall right hand analysis: I used chord inversions with a sprinkle of triplet groups here and there for some extra spice. Measure #6: Look at how I play empty octaves (octaves without any notes in the middle) during fast passages in the right hand. I added middle notes to the 1st beat of the right hand to emphasize the accented beat in 4/4 time. (Beats one and three are normally accented in 4/4 time.)
Left hand mainly consists of octaves and chords. Notice the alternating bass in the piano score…avoiding the overuse of E flat bass in the vocal score. (as in measures #1,2,and 5)
Part One of Sunlight