Play Hymns, Book 1: Piano Book

These arrangements respect the integrity of each hymn while making them genuinely playable for elementary pianists. Bober's experience as a church musician means the accompaniments feel musically satisfying for the teacher or older student playing along, never thin or perfunctory. The collection acknowledges what young pianists already know spiritually and musically, rather than talking down to them.

These hymn arrangements carry the warmth and familiarity of beloved melodies while offering pianists a chance to shape and interpret music that matters spiritually. The accompaniments are harmonically rich enough to feel substantial, creating a sense of musical purpose and connection to something larger than a single practice session.

Elementary and late elementary pianists who are ready for music with depth and meaning beyond technical exercises. These arrangements also serve teachers and parents who want to play alongside their students, creating a shared musical experience in home practice or informal performance.

• Balance the melody with the accompaniment by thinking of the solo line as singing rather than simply playing notes. Let the accompaniment support without overwhelming.
• Work out the accompaniment part first if you're the teacher or parent playing along. When both parts are secure independently, ensemble playing will feel natural and unified.
• Pay attention to phrase shapes within each hymn. Many of these melodies have natural breathing points that invite subtle tempo flexibility and dynamic shaping.
• If teaching a student to play the solo part, establish the harmonic context by playing through the full arrangement together several times before the student learns the melody alone.

Perform individual hymn arrangements at informal church services, family music nights, or spring recitals where young pianists can share music with their faith community. The collection works well as an entire recital program for a student or small group of pianists, or select arrangements can be woven into a mixed recital showcasing different styles and levels.

• Playing independent melodies against accompaniment textures
• Interpreting and shaping lyrical melodic lines
• Reading and performing block and broken chord accompaniments
• Understanding harmonic progressions in a hymn context
• Ensemble awareness and balance with a second pianist or accompanist