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"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth..." Psalm 98:4
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Wait on the Lord - Psalm 27:14 Scripture Song

10/10/2019

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"Wait on the Lord" scripture song is based on Psalm 27:14.  This verse always brings me such comfort and joy.  Sheet music is available in two versions: (1) Piano Block Chords and (2) Early Intermediate Piano Arrangement.

Wait on the Lord piano sheet music
Wait on the Lord - Piano Chords.pdf
File Size: 40 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Wait on the Lord - Early Intermediate Piano Arrangement.pdf
File Size: 54 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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The Lord is My Light - Psalm 27:1 Scripture Song

9/26/2019

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The Lord has placed a burden on my heart to share my scripture songs with others.  Personally, I have found scripture songs help me memorize God's Holy Word and keep my thoughts focused on Christ.  I pray these scripture songs will bless your soul as they have mine.

"The Lord is My Light" scripture song is based on Psalm 27:1.  Sheet music is available in two versions: (1) Piano Block Chords and (2) Early Intermediate Piano Arrangement.

The Lord is My Light Sheet Music
The Lord is My Light - Piano Chords.pdf
File Size: 43 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

The Lord is My Light - Early Intermediate Piano Arrangement.pdf
File Size: 45 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Just a Closer Walk with Thee

7/6/2017

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This piano solo is dedicated to Kenneth, my online piano student, who encourages me to keep creating new hymn arrangements.  I'm so thankful for him!
This hymn arrangement of "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" is quite expressive, and it is 7 pages (approx. 3:48 minutes in length). The various sections are woven together with a gentle, flowing melodic pattern. This piece was written for early advanced pianists, and it is perfect for church performances throughout the year.
Want to play this piano solo?
​
The sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus.
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My Anchor Holds Medley - Patriotic Piano Solo

4/20/2017

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This piano solo is dedicated to Ruth Kester, Ryan Pipes, and all the brave men and women who serve in our United States Navy.  Thank you for your service!
This patriotic hymn arrangement beautifully weaves together the hymn, My Anchor Holds, and the US Navy anthem, Anchors Aweigh. It is a full 6 pages in length (approx. 3:24 duration), and it is perfect for recitals and church performances around patriotic holidays. Throughout the piece, the tunes of My Anchor Holds and Anchors Aweigh are often both audible at the same time. Later, the refrain from the hymn, Will Your Anchor Hold?, is triumphantly proclaimed during the climax.

​Want to play this piano solo?
​
The sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus.
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Patriotic Arrangements

6/16/2015

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Homeschool Friends 2015
On June 7th, I attended a home school group program in which three of my piano students performed.  We worked several months in preparation for this event and I was excited to see each student do a fabulous job!

Two of my students, in Level 2B, performed original arrangements of "America the Beautiful" and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."  One of the reasons I created these arrangements was to challenge them with additional hand movement beyond the five-finger position.  This also expanded their note reading skills.

My other student, in Level 6, performed "You're a Grand Old Flag" from a fun patriotic arrangement book, titled Let Freedom Ring, by Phillip Keveren.

Cover tiny file look inside Let Freedom Ring! 14 Patriotic Favorites Arranged For Piano Solo. Arranged by Phillip Keveren. Piano Solo Songbook, Phillip Keveren Series. Americana. Songbook (no lyrics). 55 pages. Published by Hal Leonard (HL.310839).

America the Beautiful - Level 2B Patriotic Arrangement
The sheet music is available on Sheet Music Plus.

My Country, 'Tis of Thee - Level 2B Patriotic Arrangement
The sheet music is available for FREE here.
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Quick Tips for Composing Classical Hymn Arrangements

4/10/2015

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Introduction:
One of my hobbies is creating piano pieces that beautifully combine both familiar hymns with classical masterpieces.  When I first started creating classical hymn arrangements, I used this basic framework (begin with an excerpt of the classical piece, weave in the hymn tune, and finish with another excerpt of the classical piece) as a guide.  Looking back, I now realize my creativity and originality were hindered by not arranging the classical piece.

Last year, my music composition instructor gave me a whole new way of looking at my classical hymn arrangements and how to compose them.  She suggested I arrange the classical piece itself (not just weaving in the hymn tune), so the entire arrangement would be more unique and original.  Ever since I began using this new way of composing classical hymn arrangements, I find them much more enjoyable to play because they have a familiar, yet fresh sound.

Quick Tips for Composing Classical Hymn Arrangements:
  • Find a hymn tune and classical piece that sound like a nice "match".  Sometimes, this is easier said than done.  However, "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" and "Piano Sonata No. 16" by W. A. Mozart are simply made for each other.  The beginning melody line of the sonata clearly corresponds with the tune of the hymn.  For this reason, several classical hymn arrangements have been made using this combination by various pianists.
  • To keep the style of a classical piece when weaving in the hymn tune, use similar rhythmic patterns or other distinguishing elements from the original piece.  I often try to keep the base line as similar as possible and only adjust it when the hymn tune conflicts or needs a little creative spark.
  • Adding a twist to a classical piece can be really fun and as simple as using a different rhythm or altering the tonality from major to minor, or vice versa.
  • If a classical piece is lengthy, consider arranging only your favorite sections of the classical piece with the hymn tune.  In the "My Faith Looks Up to Thee in the Style of Mozart" arrangement, I did not include every section from Mozart's original Piano Sonata No.16 in C Major.
Arranging familiar tunes is a great way for pianists to experiment with the musical elements that create different styles and moods.


Do you create classical hymn arrangements?
Please leave a comment with your own tips or questions!
"My Faith Looks Up to Thee in the Style of Mozart" arranges both Piano Sonata No.16 in C Major, K.545 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and hymn My Faith Looks Up to Thee by Lowell Mason into a beautiful piece for late intermediate pianists. 

[You can purchase sheet music to this arrangement at Sheet Music Plus]

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    About

    Hi, my name is Mrs. Cook and my desire is to share the joy of the piano with young people and those who remain 'young at heart'.

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