The 10 Elements of the Best Hymn Study Course Ever (Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2 is Here!) (E77)

Welcome, homeschool friends! I’m Gena Mayo, and today I have the joy of announcing something very special—the launch of Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2 from Music in Our Homeschool. Whether you’ve been with me since the first volume or you’re brand new to hymn study, I want to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes these courses so unique—and how they’ve truly blessed my own family and so many others.

If you’ve ever wished for a simple way to weave faith, music, and family connection into your homeschool days, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the ten elements that set these hymn study courses apart, with true stories and real-life experiences from my home to yours.

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1. The Best Hymn Study Course is For All Ages

When I first set out to create Great Hymns of the Faith volume 1 and volume 2 my biggest goal was to make it work for families like mine—where you might have a preschooler, an elementary student, a middle schooler, and a high schooler, all learning together. I know how challenging it can be to find music resources that engage everyone, so I built every hymn study module with something for all ages.

The youngest kids can join in with original coloring pages, copywork in three styles (including dotted-line tracing for early writers), and fun listening activities that even little ones can enjoy.
Meanwhile, older kids and moms can dig deep into the inspiring stories behind the hymns, devotional reflections from real homeschool moms, and (if you’re brave!) even learn to sing hymns in four-part harmony.

2. Learn to Sing in 4-Part Harmony

This might be my favorite feature—teaching your family to sing in real harmony, not just melody! I remember when my own children were little, wishing we had simple, step-by-step harmony lessons for home. That’s why, in Volume 1, I recorded all soprano and alto parts myself, with my son Ben singing tenor and bass. In Volume 2, you’ll hear me on soprano, alto, and tenor, and my son Isaiah providing a rich bass line.

Each video lesson lets you practice your own part, then join in with someone else who’s learned a different part. It’s truly possible—even if you don’t think you’re musical! I’ve heard from families who said they never imagined singing in harmony together, but with these lessons, even beginners and young kids are picking up parts and enjoying real “family choir” moments in their living room.

3. Devotionals from Encouraging Homeschool Moms

Hymns are so much more than just music—they’re stories of faith that can change hearts. That’s why I invited some of the most thoughtful, encouraging homeschool mom business owners to write the devotionals for each hymn.

These devotionals aren’t generic—they’re honest, heartfelt stories and prayers about how each hymn’s words have shaped real families and drawn them closer to Christ. As I edited these, I found myself tearing up, and so will many of you!

You’ll get to hear from women like Melanie Wilson, Alisha Gratehouse, Anne Marie Gosnell, Stacy Farrell, Ana Willis, Tauna Meyer, Danika Cooley, and so many more. Their reflections bring new life and meaning to each hymn, helping you apply these truths to your own family’s daily walk.

4. Composer & Lyricist Stories

Every hymn is the story of a real person—someone who faced struggles, doubts, and victories just like we do. In both volumes, I share the fascinating, often emotional stories behind the composers and lyricists.

Take John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace” after living as a slave ship captain before coming to Christ. Or William Cowper, who wrestled with depression but wrote the hopeful “There Is a Fountain.”

Learning about these hymn writers changed the way my family sings—each song becomes a testimony of God’s grace, reminding us that faith grows through every season.

5. The Story Behind the Hymn

In addition to sharing who wrote the hymns, I’ve also researched and written the “story behind the song” for every hymn in the course. Sometimes, the story is one of loss—like the tragic events that inspired “It Is Well With My Soul.” Other times, it’s a story of steadfastness—like the simple faith that led to “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

I’ve included video clips and illustrations where possible, so your family can “see” how these hymns traveled through time, impacting countless believers. These stories have helped my own children connect emotionally and spiritually to the music, giving us fresh gratitude for God’s faithfulness through every circumstance.

6. A Wide Variety of Hymns

You’ll find a rich mix of hymn styles and eras in both courses. We cover everything from the grand “high church” classics like “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “How Great Thou Art” to joyful gospel-style favorites like “Count Your Blessings,” plus beloved standards such as “Nearer, My God, to Thee” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.”

I carefully chose hymns that are both deeply meaningful and musically interesting—some that you’ll know and love, and others you may discover for the first time. My hope is that your family will return to these hymns year after year, and maybe add some new favorites to your family worship time.

7. Performances in Many Styles

Hymns aren’t meant to stay on the page—they’re meant to be sung and heard! For each hymn, I’ve linked at least three different performances, so you can listen to everything from traditional choirs and orchestras to modern bands to a cappella singing and more.

Have fun comparing versions of “Amazing Grace” sung by women, men, choirs, and even with just bagpipes! This keeps things fresh for your kids and helps them see how every generation and culture can bring something new and beautiful to these songs of faith.

8. Music Appreciation & Theory Lessons for Every Hymn

This is where my inner music teacher shines! Each hymn comes with a custom music appreciation or music theory lesson, exploring a unique concept found in that song.

In Volume 1, you’ll learn about the pentatonic scale, hymn meters, shape notes, and more. Volume 2 dives into ideas like modulation, strophic form, text painting, gospel roots, nature imagery in music, etc..

These lessons are practical, hands-on, and approachable—even if you’ve never taken a music lesson. I include activities and listening challenges, so your family can experience music as something living and creative. I love hearing how these lessons have sparked curiosity and confidence in homeschoolers of all ages!

9. Bible Study with Every Hymn

At the heart of each hymn study is a connection to God’s Word. Every hymn module includes a simple Bible study for a related Scripture passage—sometimes a few verses, sometimes a whole chapter.

Many families use these for Morning Time or family worship, while others use them for personal quiet time. My prayer is that this will help you grow deeper in both faith and music.

10. Original Printables & Hands-On Activities

Because I know hands-on learning makes lessons stick, each hymn comes with a set of original printables—copywork in three styles, original coloring pages (many drawn by my daughter!), and interactive activities that reinforce what you’re learning.

These aren’t just busywork. They help all kinds of learners—visual, kinesthetic, or auditory—engage with the hymns in a creative, memorable way. Use the copywork for handwriting practice, and color together while we listen to the hymns!

Ready to Experience the Best Hymn Study Course Ever?

If you’re searching for a music and faith resource that’s comprehensive, flexible, and rich with content, I invite you to check out Great Hymns of the Faith and the brand-new Volume 2.

Both courses are self-paced and lifetime-access, designed to bless your family for years to come—whether you’re musical or just starting out. Try free previews and sample lessons to see if it’s right for you.

Do you have a favorite hymn or story of how hymn study has blessed your homeschool? I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below!

Do you have any questions about the best hymn study course for your homeschool?

Please leave a comment below!

35% off LAUNCH SALE! Use code HYMNS2 to save on Great Hymns of the Faith Volume 2. Ends 8/11/25. Click here!

Free Download of the Amazing Grace study

See the YouTube Video “Why Homeschoolers Love These Hymn Lessons!”

Listen to Podcast Episode 77: The 10 Elements of the Best Hymn Study Course Ever and Launch Day for Great Hymns of the Faith volume 2!

Listen here or subscribe and follow The Music in Our Homeschool Podcast through your favorite podcast app, such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Read the Podcast Transcript here.

Related Posts:

• A Free Music Lesson about Hymn Writers Watts, Wesley, Newton, and Billings
• The Top Frequently Asked Questions I Get About Music in Our Homeschool (E70)
• Patriotic Music Resources Available at Music in Our Homeschool