Are you planning to submit an original hymn to the Church's new Hymnal? Are you struggling to know if your hymn is good enough to rise to the top of the submissions pile? The announcement of the new hymnal made me think about the thousands of members who want to write and submit their hymns and songs.
Many have had great music education. Many others, despite their enthusiasm, have not. They aren't sure how to write a powerful hymn or primary song.
I decided to offer some help. Where "much is given, much is required..." right? (DC 82:3)
I want to help you write the best, most spirit-filled hymn or primary song you possibly can.
That's why I started a daily blog, "Dr. Pew's Latter-Day Saint Hymn Reviews."
Every day for 341 days... until the July 1, 2019 submission deadline... I'm writing a mini-lesson in hymn composition based on all 341 Latter-day Saint Hymns.
In these mini-lessons, I help you learn how to:
• Write powerful, memorable melodies
• Evoke strong emotions through harmony
• Avoid errors of music theory and voice leading
• Perform and register each hymn on the organ
• Write well for the average congregation's vocal abilities
• Each post is a mini composition lesson in hymn writing. It all applies to Primary Songs too
"In Dr. Douglas Pew we have a fresh new voice in contemporary sacred music. His craftsmanship in the art of composition is readily demonstrated. His writing for voices and instruments is filled with sensitivity and beauty, always complementing the spirit of the text."
—Dr. Craig Jessop, Former Director of the Tabernacle Choir
When you subscribe, I'll send you a free report: "9 Ingredients of Great Hymn Writing."
Click here to begin your free composition course in hymn and primary songwriting.
Sincerely,
Dr. Douglas Pew
Dr. Douglas Pew is an award-winning composer and conductor. His works have been performed at Carnegie Hall and the John F. Kennedy Center. For more information, please visit www.douglaspew.com/hymn-blog.
Lead image from Getty Images
