Follow the steps below to create your own arrangement or improvisation of a hymn in the "Hymns Made Easy" book. The sample videos demonstrate the steps using the hymn "Count Your Blessings."
Melody Only
Begin by playing the melody line, right hand only.
Instead of playing the notated bass clef, try following the steps below to create your own variation.
Add an Accompaniment with Chord Roots
The "Hymns Made Easy" book already has chord symbols identified for you. If no chord root is indicated above the measure, play the chord root from the previous measure.
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Try Playing Chord Shells
Mix up the Patterns
Choose Alberti bass and octaves or a different style of left-hand patterns for each phrase.
Borrow Musical Motifs to Improvise
Improvise your own music as you borrow rhythmic, melodic or harmonic pieces of "Count Your Blessings."
Consider the Mood
Choose another simplified hymn to arrange following the same steps.
Consider the mood of the piece as you choose left-hand patterns. The energetic rocking octaves could be replaced with slower broken chords if you are arranging a more peaceful hymn like "Away in a Manger."
Try it with Pop
By following these same steps you can explore arranging with pop songs, folk songs, or even create a mashup of some pieces you have learned in your piano method books. Listen to one of my favorite examples from the experts- The Piano Guys!
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