Introduction

Leading up to Hymn Project 4 (continued)

Before attempting to learn a four-part hymn, you should have learned at least two three-part hymn arrangements or pieces, as in Hymn Projects 2 and 3. Even more important than learning the notes, you should be able to play them with all three listening skills in good order, as described below.

If your fingering becomes confused, you have not yet achieved independence of line. The same is true if you still have the tendency to break in one or both of the other two parts when one part breaks for a repeated note or for phrasing.

If there are tiny breaks or blurring between some or all of the notes in any one part, you must continue practicing with increased awareness of a perfect legato.

If the breaks between repeated notes are either too small or too large, or if your phrase breaks seem unnatural, your releases need to be adjusted until they contribute towards the line that your ear wants.

It is much simpler to learn these skills through two- and three-part music. As we now move into playing complete four-part hymns, the listening skills do not change. They must simply be applied to one additional manual part.