Completeness. Where possible, represent the complete Psalm in at least one tune.
Faithfulness. Ensure that the lyrics are faithful to Scripture.
Valuable overlaps. Remove songs that have unnecessary overlap with other versions of the same Psalm. Add songs where more should be available. Aim for more than one song per Psalm.
Poetic value. Ensure that the lyrics are poetic and demonstrate effective use of language. Strive for faithful text, allowing some license and freedom so versifications are not rigid. Lists of names and nations are not necessarily included.
Replace archaic or unfamiliar words. Retain archaic pronoun references to the Lord and associated grammatical structures.
Ensure that the meters and rhymes are effective.
Ensure that appropriate NT idioms [references to Christ] are retained
Music:
Improve or replace difficult tunes that have too wide a range (generally greater than an octave), inconsistent or difficult rhythms, too many different rhythmic patterns within one song, and awkward leaps.
Ensure that tunes are aesthetically pleasing (melodically and harmonically) for congregational singing.
Ensure that tunes are suited for the text to which they are assigned.
Ensure that tunes do not call undue attentionto themselves.
Replace tunes that have inappropriate associations where possible.
If a tune is pitched too high, change to another key.
Format:
Eliminate unhelpful musical notations and editorial comments.
