Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Praise Hits, Level 2: Piano Book

Gerou's arrangements of these contemporary worship songs maintain singability and melodic clarity while staying perfectly aligned with Level 2 technique. The correlation with the Lesson Book means you're not hunting for supplementary material; it's built into your curriculum, giving students immediate context for the concepts they're learning.

Playing these pieces feels uplifting and purposeful. The melodies are warm and memorable, the accompaniments feel accessible yet musically satisfying, and there's a sense of accomplishment when a student realizes they can play a song they've sung or heard many times. These aren't simplified versions that lose their identity; they sound like real music.

Early-intermediate piano students (ages 7 and up) in Level 2 of Alfred's Basic Piano Library who benefit from playing music that resonates with their faith community or personal interests. This book is ideal for students who might lose motivation with traditional repertoire but light up when they recognize a melody from worship services or youth group.

• Bring out the melody in the right hand with a slightly fuller tone while keeping the left-hand accompaniment clean and supportive; this balance makes these songs sound mature and complete even at an early level.
• Take time with the rubato in pieces like 'Forever Reign' to let the musical phrasing breathe naturally rather than metronomically strict.
• Use the chord progressions in the left hand as anchors for understanding harmonic movement; many students will recognize these songs from church or worship settings, which deepens their engagement with the harmony.
• Work through the rhythmic figures slowly at first, especially any syncopation or tied notes that might differ from hymnal versions students may know.

Assign these pieces directly alongside the corresponding Level 2 Lesson Book pages to reinforce new techniques in a context students care about. They work beautifully as recital selections for students from faith-based communities and pair naturally with other contemporary or sacred music in a mixed program.

• Reading Level 2 treble and bass clef notation with accuracy and fluency
• Playing simple two-hand accompaniment patterns with steady rhythm
• Managing basic dynamic shaping and phrasing in melodic lines
• Understanding chord progressions in contemporary music contexts
• Building reading stamina across a 24-page book of connected pieces