"Did You Think to Pray"

Piano Solo by Heidi S. Beverlin

This is my favorite arrangement so far to date. I have arranged several of my favorite hymns for piano solo. The piano is my instrument. When I try to arrange or write for the piano, I want to make it "sing," because I don't sing well and always wished I could. When I arrange or write for the piano, I always hear a vocalist in my head swirling around the melody. I had a piano teacher tell me once that I went too far afield from the melody in my arrangements. Maybe that is true, but it's the way I hear it and the way I like it. (If I listened to piano teachers, I would have quit when I was 15. Thanks, Sister Helen Ann!!)

"Did You Think to Pray" is one of my very favorite hymn arrangements. I never get bored playing it, and its message resonates with me every day.

If you're looking for something different to play for a church musical number or just for yourself, you should try this arrangement.

The triplet against eighth note rhythm in the center section is loosely reminiscent of Chopin's "Revolutionary Étude," which I love. (I never do it justice.) This rythm was very difficult for me to master because it's a lot like patting your tummy and rubbing your head at the same time. When I started to think of it that way and worked at it bit by bit, I was able to do it. You can, too!! Just be patient with yourself.

Even though I have been playing the piano almost my entire life, I love to learn new skills and push myself. Sometimes as an adult learner, it is hard to find the time. Everyone else's needs tend to flll up your time, especially if you are a mother. You may also wonder what is the point, because you're never going to be Chopin at this age, but remember, even Chopin found some of his own compositions difficult to play. There is a point to accomplishment and learning at any age.