The Piano Student's Hymnal: 30 Hymns Simplified for Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Pianists: Piano
30 Hymns Simplified for Late Elementary to Early Intermediate Pianists
Arr. Gayle Kowalchyk and E. L. Lancaster
Level: Late Elementary / Early Intermediate
Item: 00-PB-0000849
$8.99
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Description
This collection contains 30 hymns that have become favorites of congregations through the years. The hymns have been simplified from four-voice textures to primarily two- and three-voice textures. Special attention has been given to eliminating cross voices and big stretches in the hand. "It Is Well," "Standing on the Promises," and "There Shall Be Showers of Blessing" are Federation Festivals 2016-2020 selections. A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
32
SKU:
00-PB-0000849
More about this title
About the Arranger: Gayle Kowalchyk
Dr. Gayle Kowalchyk holds advanced degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from Ohio University, Northwestern University, and Teachers College, Columbia University. She has served on the faculty at California State University, Northridge, Eastern Illinois University, Oklahoma Baptist University, and the University of Oklahoma, bringing decades of experience in both studio teaching and piano pedagogy instruction. A sought-after clinician and adjudicator, she has led sessions at conventions of the Music Teachers National Association, Music Educators National Conference, and multiple national piano pedagogy conferences.
Throughout her career, Dr. Kowalchyk has co-authored more than 300 educational piano publications with her husband, Dr. E. L. Lancaster, including the widely adopted Alfred's Premier Piano Course and Music for Little Mozarts series. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how students learn piano most effectively at each developmental stage.
Why we love this
These arrangements solve a genuine problem: hymns are essential repertoire for many piano students, yet standard four-voice settings frustrate young players with wide stretches and tangled voice crossings. Kowalchyk and Lancaster have reimagined these beloved pieces with late elementary hands in mind, preserving the harmonic integrity and emotional character while making each page singable and achievable. The inclusion of three Federation Festivals selections gives students repertoire that counts toward competitive achievement.
What to expect
These hymns carry the warmth and dignity of their original four-voice settings but move with greater ease and openness across the keyboard. Each arrangement feels uncluttered and purposeful, allowing the melody to sing clearly while the accompaniment supports with quiet confidence rather than complexity.
Who it's for
Late elementary and early intermediate pianists looking for sacred repertoire that genuinely fits their technical range and hand size. Students preparing for festival competitions, recitals, or church service playing will find pieces that balance musical substance with accessibility.
How to get the most out of it
- Sing through the melody line before playing to internalize the hymn's shape and phrasing, treating the piece as a complete musical thought rather than isolated passages.
- Pay attention to voice leading even in the simplified textures; smooth transitions between chords will make these arrangements sound mature and confident.
- Use the pedal conservatively and deliberately at phrase endings to enhance resonance without muddying the clarity of the two- and three-voice writing.
- Practice hands separately until the voice independence feels natural, then bring hands together at a slower tempo to allow the texture to settle before working toward tempo.
How to use it
Build a recital around several pieces from this collection to create a thematic program (Easter hymns, hymns of comfort, or hymns of celebration), or intersperse individual selections alongside secular repertoire to create variety in tone and character. These pieces also work beautifully as prelude and postlude music for school or community events that welcome piano performance.
Skills your students will build
- Playing consistent two- and three-voice textures with independence and clarity
- Recognizing and executing smooth voice leading across registers
- Managing harmonic accompaniment patterns without excessive hand position shifts
- Developing phrase awareness and legato playing through familiar, liturgical material
- Building confidence with pieces that balance musical wholeness and technical appropriateness