Play Mormon Hymns, Book 3: 16 Piano Arrangements of Traditional Hymns: Piano

These arrangements respect the melodic strength of each hymn while keeping the harmonic language straightforward enough for early intermediate players to manage without losing musical dignity. The book gives students repertoire with real spiritual weight, not dumbed-down versions of material they already know from worship services.

Familiar and grounded. These hymns carry the warmth of tradition, and Christensen's arrangements preserve that quality while introducing enough harmonic color to keep the music engaging for players beyond their first year. The result feels both devotional and pianistically satisfying.

Early intermediate pianists in LDS communities who want to play meaningful repertoire from their tradition, as well as piano teachers seeking sacred music that doesn't oversimplify. These arrangements work equally well for students practicing independently and for those preparing pieces for church settings or recitals.

• Pay attention to the underlying hymn tune's phrasing; even at this level, letting phrases breathe naturally makes the difference between a competent run-through and a reverent performance.
• Balance melody and accompaniment by considering which hand carries the primary line in each section. These arrangements often shift that responsibility, so plan your practice with dynamic shaping in mind.
• Approach repeated hymn stanzas as opportunities to add textural variation. A second verse can gain complexity through subtle pedaling or slight tempo flexibility without departing from what's written.

Feature individual pieces from this collection in student recitals or church services where piano solos are welcome. The early intermediate level makes this book ideal for assigning to students preparing for festival seasons, particularly those selected for Federation Festivals 2024-2028.

• Reading and sustaining simple chord progressions under a moving melodic line
• Balancing texture between hands with different registers and independence
• Interpreting phrasing and dynamic shaping in the context of known melodies
• Managing pedal changes to support harmonic movement without muddying chords
• Building confidence playing meaningful repertoire in worship or performance contexts