Play Praise: Most Requested, Book 3: Piano Book

These arrangements capture the singability and emotional directness of contemporary worship music while respecting the early intermediate pianist's technical reality. Each piece sits comfortably under the hand without sacrificing the harmonic warmth and contemporary feel that make these songs resonate in worship settings. The collection's inclusion as a Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection confirms its musical substance and versatility.

These arrangements emanate the warmth and hopefulness central to contemporary praise music, rendered in language pianists at this level can speak fluently. Harmonic progressions feel modern and open rather than formal; melodies sit naturally under the fingers. The collection invites genuine musical expression without technical obstacles.

Early intermediate pianists seeking engaging, spiritually meaningful repertoire will find these arrangements immediately accessible and rewarding. Teachers looking to bridge sacred and secular repertoire, or to offer students music that connects to their own worship communities, have nine proven pieces in a single volume. Student musicians exploring contemporary Christian music in a formal practice setting will recognize melodies they know while building technique.

• Maintain steady harmonic support in the left hand; these arrangements rely on clear chord voicing to anchor the familiar melodies. Resist rushing through block chords.
• Let the melody breathe as a singable line. Many of these pieces are sung regularly in worship; pianists will find them most effective when the top line has room to soar.
• Balance dynamic contrast across the collection. Some pieces like "Above All" invite gentle, reflective playing, while others such as "Shout to the North" benefit from bolder articulation and stronger rhythmic drive.
• Pay attention to registration changes within arrangements. Small shifts in texture or accompaniment pattern signal moments where the piece's emotional landscape shifts; acknowledge these shifts with subtle dynamic or touch adjustments.

Program individual selections within recitals focused on faith-based music or contemporary repertoire; the pieces' accessibility makes them suitable for student recitals at various times throughout the year. Incorporate them into studio or classroom settings where students bring their own spiritual and musical traditions to the piano. The collection's Federal Festivals designation makes it a natural choice for students preparing for competition or festival requirements in the contemporary Christian category.

• Playing contemporary chord progressions and extended harmonies (seventh chords, sus chords) in a musical context
• Balancing melody and accompaniment with independent hand coordination
• Sustaining musical line and phrasing at a moderate tempo without relying on pedal
• Interpreting harmonic rhythm to shape musical phrases
• Sight-reading multiple pieces across varied tempos and textures within a single collection