Classic Spirituals for Young Musicians
African-American Spirituals
What Is This Book?
African-American Spirituals is a collection of timeless spirituals arranged with complete melodies, chord changes, and lyrics in performance-friendly keys. Curated and edited by Larry Newman, this book makes it easy for musicians, educators, and families to explore the rich heritage of African-American sacred music. It’s designed for practical use in lessons, performances, and personal study.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is ideal for late elementary through adult learners.
Perfect for beginner to intermediate singers, guitarists, pianists, and other instrumentalists who read melody and chords.
Useful in school music programs, general music classes, choir and ensemble settings, private lessons, church services, and home learning.
Great for families who want to introduce children to African-American musical history through authentic repertoire.
What Makes This Book Easy for Kids to Learn?
Arrangements are in performance-friendly keys, helping young players and singers succeed quickly.
Clear melodies with chord symbols keep the page uncluttered and approachable for kids.
Consistent formatting from song to song builds confidence and supports independent practice.
Familiar, repetitive lyrics and singable ranges make it easier for children to memorize and enjoy the music.
Carefully edited layouts help students focus on the essentials: tune, words, and harmony.
What Music Does the Book Include?
This collection features classic African-American spirituals that have been sung for generations.
You’ll find well-known songs like “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel?,” “Deep River,” “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel,” and “Give Me That Old Time Religion.”
It also includes emotionally powerful pieces such as “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Go Down, Moses,” and “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”
The repertoire reflects themes of faith, freedom, hope, resilience, and spiritual longing, making it ideal for concerts, worship, and classroom study.
Are There Fun Extras Included?
This book focuses on the music itself and does not include additional extras.
What’s Inside the Book?
Timeless African-American spirituals arranged for voice and instruments
Complete melodies for each song
Chord changes clearly marked for accompaniment
Full lyrics for every verse
Performance-friendly keys suitable for young and adult voices
Careful editing by Larry Newman
Repertoire suitable for solo and group performance
Songs appropriate for school, home, and church use
Skills Your Child Will Learn
Melodic reading and phrasing
Basic chord understanding and harmony awareness
Rhythmic accuracy in traditional spiritual styles
Expressive singing and playing with emotional depth
Ensemble skills when performing with others
Text interpretation and musical storytelling
Confidence performing historically important music
How to Use This Book
Use it in private lessons to teach melody reading, chord-based accompaniment, and expressive performance.
In classrooms and choirs, choose songs for concerts, assemblies, and cultural or Black history units.
At home, parents can sing with their children, using the chords for simple guitar or piano accompaniment.
Church musicians can incorporate these spirituals into services, youth choirs, or special programs.
Students can select favorites as recital pieces, audition songs, or small-ensemble features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this book suitable for beginners?
Yes. The melodies are clear and the keys are chosen to support beginners through intermediate players and singers.
Do I need to play piano or guitar to use this book?
No. Any instrument that can play a melody can use the book, and the chord symbols are there for those who wish to accompany on piano, guitar, or another chordal instrument.
Can this book be used in schools and church programs?
Absolutely. The repertoire and arrangements are well-suited to school music classes, choirs, and church services.
Does the book include full piano accompaniments?
The book provides melodies, chord changes, and lyrics, allowing teachers, students, and accompanists to create their own full arrangements.
Is the content appropriate for children?
Yes. While the songs express deep themes of faith and struggle, the language and presentation are appropriate for guided use with children.
Learn More
For additional music tutorials and demonstrations, visit the official Music Fun Books YouTube Channel.
Where to get it
Available now on Amazon.