Not Just Another Praise Book, Book 3: Piano Book & CD

Modern and accessible. The arrangements honor the original songs while working within a pianistic idiom that feels fresh without pretension. Moving between hymn-style pieces like 'Amazing Grace' and more rhythmic contemporary settings creates dynamic variety.

Late intermediate pianists ready to explore contemporary Christian music with serious arrangements. Students preparing for recitals, church services, or contemporary music ensembles will find material that's neither simplistic nor overwhelming.

• Listen through the entire accompaniment track before the first rehearsal. The chord voicings and rhythmic pocket on the recording inform how to voice the piano part, especially in the contemporary styles like 'Breathe' and 'God of Wonders.'
• Pay attention to dynamics marked in the score. These arrangements use restraint effectively; pulling back on forte passages lets the harmony breathe rather than overwhelm the melody.
• Practice the left hand independently until the comping pattern becomes automatic. Many of these pieces sit in a contemporary groove, and a locked rhythm section feel comes from your hands working independently.
• Use the CD as a performance tool, not a shortcut. Perform with the accompaniment regularly so ensemble entrances and phrase endings feel natural, not mechanical.

Build a recital set mixing these pieces with classical standards to show student versatility and depth. The accompaniment recordings make these works ideal for church or community performances where ensemble collaboration enriches the presentation. They also serve as excellent bridge material for students transitioning from classical repertoire into contemporary styles.

• Contemporary comping patterns and rhythm section feel
• Voicing chords in popular music styles
• Reading and performing with recorded accompaniments
• Balancing melody and harmony in right-hand texture
• Playing syncopated rhythms in groove-based settings