Tried-and-True Favorite Collections for the Church Pianist

Church Music

Aug 11

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As all church pianists know, good piano arrangements are essential to the job.

From preludes to postludes (and everything in between!), having collections that you can pull out and play from over and over is golden.

I collected several books through my years as a church musician that I returned to again and again. The arrangements are fresh, accessible, and versatile. They fit well in various parts of the worship service, and they're fun to play!

Plus, some of the longer arrangements can easily be split up if you need something shorter—for instance, start in the slow, middle section and play to the end.

If you’re looking for something new to play this year, I hope you’ll consider one of the collections listed below.

10 Favorite Solo Piano Collections for Church Musicians

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

1. Classic Hymns We Love (various)

Twelve favorite hymns arranged by arrangers such as Mary McDonald, Pepper Choplin, Mark Hayes, and Ruth Elaine Schram. A go-to for preludes, offertories, and postludes!

2. Mark Hayes for the Intermediate Pianist (Hymn Settings That Touch the Soul) (Mark Hayes)

This collection offers an assortment of music for worship, including many well-loved hymn tunes. Each arrangement is no more than three minutes in length, making them perfectly suited for preludes.

3. The Living Room Sessions (Chris Rice)

Simple arrangements of old hymn favorites like "For the Beauty of the Earth" and "Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us." Easy to prepare, these pieces work well in a variety of places throughout the service.

4. Listen to Christmas (Mark Hayes)

This collection features a variety of Advent and Christmas pieces, plus it offers optional parts for guitar, bass, percussion, and solo instruments. Hayes' original composition, "Listen to Christmas" is one of my favorites!

5. Christmas Solitude (Jay Rouse)

I love Jay Rouse's writing—I go back to these reflective arrangements for Advent/Christmas year after year.

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6. Well-Tempered Christmas (Mark Hayes)

A great collection of intermediate-level arrangements, including a few medleys. I have used this one for years and still come back to a few arrangements every season.

7. Hymns Re-Harmonized (Carol Tornquist)

I use this book for hymn accompaniments, but I’ve also found it perfect for communion music. I usually make my own hymn medley by choosing 2-3 hymns (in the same keys) and spending several minutes playing both the original hymn setting and Tornquist’s reharmonization.

8. Classic Hymns for 4-Hand Piano (Joel Raney)

Everyone loves a good piano duet, and this collection is so fun! Six moderate-level arrangements, including Great Is Thy Faithfulness, Be Thou My Vision, and Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.

Related post: 24 Piano Duet Books for Recitals or Worship

9. Four Hands in Praise (Larry Shackley)

One more favorite collection of piano duets—eight exciting and varied arrangements by Larry Shackley.

10. Classical Hymns (Craig Courtney)

A collection of 10 hymn arrangements for solo piano written in the style of 10 classical composers. Great for preludes and offertories, in particular.