8 Solo Piano Collections for Worship

This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, churches have relied more on instrumental music in worship than choral music.

There’s been a need for more solo music vs. ensemble music and in some cases, music that can be recorded ahead of time or even recorded from home.

As any church pianist will tell you, having collections that you can pull out and play from over and over again is golden, especially at times like these when you’re providing the majority of the music in the service.

Looking for something new to play this year?

Here are eight solo piano collections to consider adding to your library.

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

8 Solo Piano Collections for Worship

1. The Essential Collection, Vol. I and Vol. II (ed. Jane Holstein)

This two-volume collection is a wonderful resource for church musicians. Each volume includes 55 pieces (in a variety of styles) by arrangers like Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson, Joel Raney, Jack Schrader, among others, for use throughout the church year. Plus, each volume costs only $49.95—a true budget-saver!

2. Mark Hayes for the Intermediate Pianist (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. Ten Negro Spirituals (Florence Price)

A collection of ten solo piano arrangements of spirituals written by Florence Price. Perfect for Black History Month, Pentecost, and all throughout the year.

4. Reflections for Worship (Mark Hayes)

Longer arrangements of hymns and contemporary songs like “One Bread, One Body,” “Lord of the Dance,” “You Are Mine,” and “Rain Down”. Each piece is 4’-5’ in length, so if you’re in need of some longer arrangements (compared to the standard 2’30”-3’ pieces), this is a collection worth considering. You might also consider dividing them up and playing a different version each time.

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5. The Living Room Sessions (Chris Rice)

Simple arrangements of classic 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.

6. Silent Nights (Nigel Hess)

14 beautiful, minimalist settings of Advent and Christmas hymns and carols. Intermediate level.

7. Sacred Nocturnes (Heather Sorenson)

Beautiful, creative settings of 11 different hymns written in a variety of musical styles. Great for preludes or offertories, but also for communion and other places in worship.