I love to hear from the various people who browse through my website!  Please feel free to give me your thoughts on a particular song or just let me know that you were here!

If your message requires a response, I will email you directly.  For all other messages, please know that I read them and very much appreciate all your comments!

Thank you!
Carlton

295 Comments on “Guestbook”

  1. Reply

    HI, Carlton!

    I’ve tried to email you through the support on your website but am not sure why my messages are coming back.
    I need a link to download my purchase of Memory sheet music, since I failed to register when I purchased it.
    Sorry about that!

    Betsy Matthew

  2. Reply

    Hello Mr. Forrester,

    We recently had a baby grand piano donated to our church and my 14 year old son Noah wanted to do the dedication song by learning your arrangement of Amazing Grace. He is a huge fan of yours as am I. The first song played on that piano was your arrangement of Amazing Grace performed by my son Noah. I had tears in my eyes as did many people. I did not get a recording that day but decided to record him at home to share with people. Thank you for your inspiration. Here is a link of him playing that song. Thanks for all you do.

    Chris Riley

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvnNMqcPa9w

    1. Reply

      Thanks so much Chris for your message – it means a lot to me! I watched the video of Noah and it was beautiful! I hope your church gets many years of beautiful music from the new piano!

      God bless!
      Carlton

  3. Reply

    Your music is absolutely moving. I lean towards a beginner – someone who played many years ago but now has returned to playing the piano. Even as a beginner I was able to disect and eventually play fairly well the original score of Memory (b flat). I just purchased your sheet music for Memory. It is the best rendition I have heard. My question is: on the second pass through the main melody (bottom half of page one, the music goes to three note chords. In your video it appears you are mostly playing two notes (octaves). Am I correct? Thank you and God bless you.

    1. Reply

      Hi Anthony, thanks so much for your kind words! To answer your question, there is a third note in that passage that’s hard to see in the video. It’s the forefinger mostly on the D, C and F between the octaves. Due to the camera angle this is pretty well hidden by the other fingers. You can see it very briefly in the transitions between chords. Very observant of you though!!

      Thanks for your message and for listening!
      Carlton

  4. Reply

    Hi Carlton,

    This is John Zhang. I am the co-founder of PianoMother.com, a website dedicated to serving adult piano players and church pianists. We are looking for piano teachers who can teach piano via video tutorials to join our team. I found your piano videos on YouTube.com. Your piano playing is very impressive. I know that you are busy and have other commitments. We just need a few hours of your precious time each month. And the schedule is flexible. Please email me at support@pianomother.com if you are interested in this opportunity. Our YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/user/pianomother. I look forward to your reply.

    Thanks.
    John

    1. Reply

      Hi John,

      Thanks so much for the invite! unfortunately, due to my current time commitments I’m not able to participate right now. Feel free to check back at a later time though! I wish you the best in your endeavors.

      Thanks,
      Carlton

  5. Reply

    Hi there,

    I am curious if you’re planning on ever writing a piano arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.” I played your incredible arrangement of “Be Thou My Vision” at my friend’s wedding and it was perfect. Now I’m getting married and would love to use one of your arrangements. Your style is so moving and amazingly upbeat – which is why I know I’d love your arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount!”
    I’m sure you get requests like this all the time, but it never hurts to ask!

    Thanks in advance,
    Athena

  6. Reply

    Sitting here in the recliner savoring each composition and performance. They bring tears and joy. Wishing I had a piano here but happy that you have some arrangements we can download. However, I really want My God is Real but don’t see it here. I love the black gospel sound, which I need to work on more. Got a good start in South Carolina playing out of the old “Red back hymnal”. I believe if I could see what you are doing I could make some progress. Not going to try to imitate or equal, just want some new licks to enhance my music.

  7. Reply

    I wanted to play “Near the Cross”. After searching, I found your website and have just ordered the book and CD, containing this song, plus nine more of my favorite hymns. The videos will make it a bit easier to master the songs.
    THANK YOU, Carlton, for the genuine arrangements.
    I’m grateful you’re using your God-given talents to praise Him.

  8. Reply

    Carlton, your music is amazing and has found a way to my heart every time. A few years ago, I started playing your version Be Thou My Vision. While playing it, I thought of my grandma, who was my best friend, and who was slowly dying, and I came to play the song with more emotion than I ever have played any song before. She passed away about six months ago and I’ve only played it a few times since. After that, I was in search of a few more songs that I found you played as well. I was wondering if you could please contact me regarding a cover of a beautiful song that was played over the speakers at her funeral. Thank you.

  9. Reply

    I was looking for music to use for my husband’s Celebration of Life, 3years ago. I found you on you tube and was awed! I can’t believe how beautiful your music is. Only God can give that kind o beauty. You are blessed. I have actually tried to find other cd’s of yours. I’m sorry that there is an end. ;o(Dee

  10. Reply

    *Hello, I like your music and want to learn. But I lives in Taiwan, how to buy your sheet? Thank you.*

      1. Reply

        Hi Oliver,

        Thanks for posting! You can purchase from my website anywhere in the world… let me know if you’re having any difficulty and I’ll look into it for you.

        Thank you!
        Carlton

  11. Reply

    Very nice! You do a great job. How Deep the Father’s Love For Us is my favorite and you do it so beautifully. Keep up the good work!

  13. Reply

    Hi Carlton,
    Thank you for your beautiful music! I was wondering if there might be an arrangement for A Mighty Fortress is Our God in the future? I absolutely love playing your music! Thanks for sharing your talent.

  14. Reply

    Hi carlton!! I’m a beginner pianist who was/is very interest in the what chiled is this/o holy night piece, but I’m having difficulties, not with the notes, but with figuring out where my fingers should be placed at what time. I tried studying the video, but you’re so fast that I’m very confused. I’m asking for advice with this very beautiful piece, but I’m about to give up on it.

    1. Reply

      Hi Jenny, Thanks for your comment. My best advice would be to pause the video at each place where you’re confused about fingering. I know it will be time consuming! I think once you get a grasp on it, it’s really not that hard! Anyway, I don’t know how helpful this will be but I hope you stick with it!

      Thank you!
      Carlton

  15. Reply

    I have been amazed at your arrangements. I have listened to everything of yours that I have been able to find on the internet. I am hoping that you might have done one for “God Gave Me A Song” sung by the Oslo Gospel Choir. I have not found it anywhere here in the US but think it would be great song to teach to my church Congregation.

    Timothy Bopp Queen Creek Arizona

  16. Reply

    Hi Carlton, in my previous message I see I was not clear, I am asking if I can accompany your piano on my trumpet on “Great is thy Faithfulness”,,,,,God bless you, David Rios

  17. Reply

    Hi Carlton, what a blessing to hear the talent that God Almighty has given to you. I wrote to you as well on facebook and would like to know if you would allow me to play my trumpet as offertory at church on Sunday. This is not for any lucrative means nor will it be recorded, it is just to lift the name of Jesus give him all honor glory and praise and share with the congregation “Great Thy Faithfulness”. Please respond when you might have a moment,,,,David Rios, Proyecto Sonidos De Jubilo

  18. Reply

    Carlton,

    We have been playing your arrangements as a part of our pre-service music for some time – via i-tunes. We have mixed your music with other artists such as Linda McKechnie and the O’Neill Brothers. Your music has been a favorite with many members of the congregation. I recently discovered your website and downloaded a cd & sheet music.

    My wife and I lived for many years in the Woodbridge area and are quite familiar with your location. Our youngest son still lives in the Lake Anna area.

    Do you do live performances? If so, I would like to know if you might be interested in performing at our church sometime in the future. We live in the Myrtle Beach, SC area and attend a Baptist church with an ave. Sunday attendance of about 400.

    Thanks,

    Milt Seekins

    1. Reply

      Hi Milt, thanks so much for you kind message!
      At the moment I don’t do live performances other than occasionally at my church. I will let you know if that ever changes though.
      Thanks again and God Bless!
      Carlton

  19. Reply

    My daughter loves your arrangements and has chosen a beautiful piece for her student convention performance piece. She has started working on it. Hope and pray she will play perfectly .

    Thank you for sharing your gift and may God richly reward you.

    Rachel Gatende
    Nbi.KEN.

  20. Reply

    Hello Sr. Carlton.
    I am pleased to write and thank him for his so beautiful arrangements and give me encouragement to continue playing for my Heavenly Father, I want to ask you if you could make an arrangement for the hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel I would like to touch with their arrangements agradesco you very much and hope your prompt response.

    Thank you.Atte Diana Mulato,
    Mexico City, Federal District.

  21. Reply

    Hi Carlton,

    I’m with Calvary Baptist Church in Sand Springs, Okla. We’ve made a video slideshow of our Family Camp this summer and would like to use one of your beautiful recordings — “How Firm a Foundation.”
    Because of the slideshow’s file size, we need to post it on YouTube and link to it from our church website (calvarybaptistss.com).
    I’m asking you for permission. We will not make any money off your music, will not allow advertising and will give you full credit and include your website.
    Thanks for your consideration,
    Mac Bentley

  22. Reply

    Howdy Carlton,

    I have exhausted all your beautiful arrangements at my church and I, almost daily, check your website for new arrangements. Will you be creating more soon? 🙂

    Eagerly awaiting,
    Richard

  23. Reply

    Howdy Carlton,

    I have really enjoyed playing your arrangements at my church. I was wondering if you would consider arranging day by day. I recently lost a son and my anthem has been this hymn. I can’t seem to do it justice with my arrangements and I just know you would make it beautiful in a way I couldn’t. Playing and singing through my hymn book has been very therapeutic for me as my wife and I rely on God’s grace to heal our wound.

    Regardless, thank you for sharing your talent with us all!

    God bless,
    Richard

    1. Reply

      Hi Richard, thank you for your comment… and I’m so sorry for your loss. Yes, I will work on an arrangement of Day by Day. I can’t say when it will be done but I will add that to the list of songs I’m working on.

      Thank you and God bless!
      Carlton

      1. Reply

        Hello Carlton,

        Greetings in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST

        I used to play the piano for different churches. For medical reasons I had to stop. But…by the grace of GOD, I am doing excellent now. Thank you LORD. Btw, have you heard this contemporary christian song entitled ” Nothing Can Separate Us” by the Maranatha Singers? Is there a way that you would be able to make an arrangement of this song for HIS honor and glory? This song has so many verses which will be able to reach out to all the people who don’t know anything about the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

        1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
        1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain with the Lord.

        Thank you so much.

        Servant of the most High God,

        Farida

        Proverbs 3:5-6

  24. Reply

    Hi Carlton,

    I’m a pianist and arranger myself, and I often arrange hymns to perform in church. I listen to a lot of different piano arrangements of hymns too, and I have to say, your arrangements are my favorite by far (and my favorites or your arrangements are ‘How Deep the Father’s Love for Us’ and ‘Be Thou My Vision’)! God’s given you a great gift, and it’s been a blessing to many people like myself. I was wondering though, I don’t see any recent arrangements on your Youtube channel–are you still arranging? I know from first-hand experience, it’s time consuming to arrange something and then to record it, never mind notating it. But I’d love to hear more! Have you ever thought of arranging ‘In Christ Alone’ or ‘Before the Throne of God Above’? I think they’d adapt very well to your arranging style. I’m actually arranging ‘In Christ Alone’ right now to perform in a couple of weeks, and I’ll confess, I’m definitely borrowing from your style!

    Keep up the good work!

  25. Reply

    Hi, Carlton!

    I have a piano student who is a graduating senior this year. He found your arrangement of Battle Hymn of the Republic/America the Beautiful and decided to learn it. He worked on it a long time, and finally took it seriously and now plays it well. It is a great piece! He is my only senior participating in my student recital this year, and as a farewell gift to him I thought that I would like to present him with and autographed copy of this piece. I will pay whatever the cost would be if it is possible and I will provide you with other address information, etc. if you need it. I live in Gainesville, VA. The recital will be on May 30th.

    Thank you for inspiring this student with such a nice piece.

    Lynda Harding

  26. Reply

    Hello, Carlton!

    Funny story…I stumbled upon your site and recommended it to one of my more advanced students…then I found out that you attend the same church. 🙂 I teach Jonah Lawson. Your arrangements are wonderful and I envy your gift of ease of playing…especially arpeggios. 🙂 Thank you for sharing and I will definitely be purchasing your music!

    Katie

  27. Reply

    Hi Carlton,
    I can’t say enough about how much I love listening to you on You tube. You are nothing less than amazing.
    I was wondering if you will ever make a CD of the songs I love to hear which are when you smile, Days, There for you and Just like two rivers. I know these songs are dear to you heart but i would love them on a CD some day. I will be buying your one CD but would be ecstatic if you made these other songs available on CD. My wife and I have an Autistic child and the song There for you is perfect for him. I’m also so glad you play the old Hymns. It’s sad how churches don’t play them anymore. They are the most powerful and inspirational songs ever written. God Bless you. I can see he already has.

  28. Reply

    May I publish your Fredericksburg video on Fredericksburg.Today? I’d like to interview yourabout it, too. Please email and/or call. Thank you,
    Susan
    Susan Larson
    540-424-3815

  29. Reply

    Carlton, it’s been a few years since I first purchased your CD. Today, on Amazon, I just purchased your single for How Deep the Father’ Love for Us. Do you plan on posting MP3’s of How Firm a Foundation and your medley of Battle Hymn of the Republic/America the Beautiful, which are on your youtube channel, but not available for purchase? If so, I would definitely like to have them! Thanks again, and I hope you are well. Your CD is still one of my favorite, and I share it during our church services whenever I get the chance.

  30. Reply

    Hello sir!

    Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us! God has richly blessed you and is blessing others (me) through you! I am thankful for this website and for the available sheet music!

    I was wondering if you might have a suggestion for a keyboard brand/type that would have a good quality of sound closest to that of a real piano and still be easily transportable/ compact.

    Thanks so much!

    ~Anna Woolman

  31. Reply

    Hi – thanks for your music! I really like your recording of Be Still My Soul – I bought it from iTunes. Also, I have experimented with electronic processing of the song (with no disrespect intended to the original performance or the meaning of the song!) – just for my own enjoyment. I like both versions. God bless you in Jesus!

  32. Reply

    I just got my CD in the mail today and absolutely love it!! I’ve watched all of your videos on YouTube and wanted your songs on CD so I could play them in the car and have them on my iPod. I’ve listened to your What Child Is This/O Holy Night and love it too! Have you thought about doing a Christmas CD? Maybe do Mary Did You know or Mary Knew and O Come O Come Emmanuel?
    Ashley

    1. Reply

      Hi Austin, If you click on the product image for each song, it is the first page of the music. Hopefully that will give you a sampling of what the music is like. Thank you! Carlton

  34. Reply

    What a blessing! Where have we been that we did not hear your arrangements before? My husband and I do exactly what you do. I have been teaching piano and arranging Christian music for years and years. I teach all levels of piano, from Bach and Chopin to Christian music arranging. You have an awesome gift! My husband and I do instrumentals together in church. Just downloaded “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”…rarely use other people’s ideas arrangements anymore, as we like to hear and do our own completely, but this is so great! Love your dynamics and textures! I think we would be best piano friends! If you like, we will send you some of our ideas to share back. Thank you and God bless!
    Elizabeth and Tom Tufankjian, NJ

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