Not Just Another Praise Book, Book 2: Piano Book & CD

These arrangements capture the emotional directness and singability that make contemporary Christian music resonate with students. Playing from this book feels purposeful and alive, grounded in accessible harmonies and rhythms that support rather than overwhelm the player.

Intermediate pianists preparing solos for recital, youth group performances, or worship settings will find immediate, rewarding material here. Students benefit from working with music they recognize and love, which builds motivation and engagement with technique.

• Use the CD accompaniment to establish the groove and tempo before rehearsing sections independently. This grounds the arrangement in its contemporary Christian music context from the start.
• Balance melody and harmony by listening to the recorded band's instrumental voicing. Notice where the piano doubles the vocal line versus where it provides harmonic support or rhythmic texture.
• Practice hands separately first, especially in passages with syncopation or sustained chords that support the vocal. The intermediate level assumes solid hand independence but rewards careful attention to coordination.
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in the score. These songs carry emotional weight, and the dynamic shaping tells the story alongside the lyrics your students will sing or hear on the recording.

Feature one or two selections in a spring recital alongside classical or jazz repertoire to showcase musical range and student interest. Alternatively, use these as winter or holiday program pieces in worship services or community performances where the contemporary Christian genre is valued.

• Reading and performing contemporary harmonic progressions with seventh chords and sus voicings
• Coordinating melody and accompaniment patterns in syncopated rhythms
• Responding to recorded ensemble textures and maintaining tempo with accompaniment tracks
• Interpreting dynamic and emotional expression in accessible, singable melodic lines