Comfort Covers are an expanding series of beloved songs selected and adapted by Hospice Volunteer Johannes H. Hindriks to provide bedside support to patients and their loved ones, when the presence of the human voice matters most. Each score consists of a mezzo-soprano lead voice, a baritone harmony voice and fully spelled-out guitar chords diagrams. The mezzo-soprano gently blends with the mostly open guitar chords while the male harmony modestly meanders between the melody and the bass line of the guitar, unifying all three ingredients into a soothing and welcoming sound. Vocal ranges are given for each song. Large print. Average skill level: Easy to Intermediate. Capo as preferred.
On Sheet Music Plus
Johannes H. Hindriks’ page of song titles:
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/search?Ntt=johannes+h.+hindriks
Comfort Covers sample (“Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill):
https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/go-rest-high-on-that-mountain-digital-sheet-music/22373779
On Sheet Music Direct
Johannes H. Hindriks’ page of song titles:
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/Search.aspx?query=johannes%20h.%20hindriks
Comfort Covers sample (“Over The Rainbow”):
https://www.sheetmusicdirect.com/en-US/se/ID_No/1221774/Product.aspx
Replies
Love this! Great idea. I've played the harp for hospice patients for over 20 years.
Greg
Hi Greg, thanks. Yes, I can imagine that playing the harp would be very soothing.
We have been singing with guitar accompaniment with a very small group at our hospice house for a number of years and have honed the harmonies and the guitar chords to reflect the very specific, intimite nature of the hospice environment. The arrangements are simple but not boring, they speak directly to the heart. We can see it in the patients and their loved ones, how this can be meaningful and very often is.
We tried to make these arrangements doable for people with basic guitar skills who can carry a tune. No difficult chord shapes, just your standard guitar chord repertoire; so that it would be accessible even if you don't have a degree in guitar or voice.