Randall Hartsell discovered piano at age 12, practicing daily at his aunt and uncle's house before his parents eventually brought an instrument home. His compositional voice emerged in high school, initially drawing inspiration from literature he encountered in English classes and later expanding through his work accompanying the choir and arranging pieces for their broadcasts.
After earning his degree from East Carolina University, Hartsell returned to composing while teaching in a small town. A chance meeting with Lynn Freeman Olson in the early 1980s proved pivotal, leading to his first publication with Alfred: the three-book series Something Special (1990). Since then, over 60 of his collections and solos have found their way into studios and practice rooms. He currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he continues to teach, compose, adjudicate, and serve as church organist and conductor.
Why we love this
Hartsell's touch with hymn arrangements keeps the melody singing while building in just enough technical interest to hold intermediate students' attention. Two pages is the sweet spot for a lesson or recital piece; students complete something substantial without losing focus halfway through.
What to expect
Warm and grounded, with the quiet confidence of something people have trusted for generations. The arrangement honors the hymn's contemplative nature while allowing the student's own musicality to emerge in the melody line.
Who it's for
Intermediate piano students who are ready to move beyond simplified folk song arrangements but benefit from working with familiar harmonic language. This arrangement also serves teachers seeking repertoire that strengthens students' ability to accompany hymns and lead congregational singing.
How to get the most out of it
Maintain steady tempo through the accompaniment patterns, especially in the left hand. The hymn's dignity depends on rock-solid harmonic support beneath the melody.
Shape the melody phrase by phrase rather than note by note. Think of how a vocalist would breathe and shape the text, even though you're playing an instrumental arrangement.
Let the pedal reinforce harmonic changes rather than blur them. Change with the harmony to keep the sacred text's warmth without muddying the clarity.
How to use it
Include this in a sacred music or hymn-based concert alongside other piano arrangements of well-known hymns, or offer it as a recital choice for students preparing repertoire that connects to their faith communities. It's equally valuable as an assignment that teaches students to accompany congregational singing with sensitivity and care.
Skills your students will build
Balancing melody and accompaniment in two hands
Sustaining steady harmonic rhythm without mechanical repetition
Interpreting sacred text through instrumental playing
Managing pedal changes in harmony-dependent music
Phrasing melody with text-derived musicality
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