There are many hymn descants available online and in books. However, there may come a day you are in need of a descant and are not able to find one, or you may find it necessary to modify an existing descant. The good news is you are not starting from scratch. You already have a preexisting tune (usually with harmony). All you need do is create a satisfactory alternative melody to blend with it. A quick and easy on-the-spot solution is to sing/play the alto or tenor line an octave (or two) above the melody. This usually works okay but may not always sound just right nor be very melodic. You will crave innovation; desiring to add a more personal expression of praise. Writing a descant is not as challenging as it may at first seem. You are a church musician - take that plunge into creativity!
Just as you must understand grammar and spelling before writing a book, a good knowledge (or refresher) of basic music theory is an essential prerequisite of music composition. Technically speaking a descant is not a compostion but rather an accompaniment to a known tune. Therefore, it is in actuallity an arrangement. The following sites offer excellent background and instruction:
Study other descants as examples of what works and sounds good, then you will have a better idea of elements to include in your own. An excellent resource to do this is the practical guide "Handbook for Creative Church Musicians" by Harold Owen, the first chapter covers descants, giving multiple examples in different settings with questions and commentary, and then showing you problems and solutions. Following is a list, not comprehensive by any means, of ideas and tips:
Please get rid of that manuscript paper, pencil and eraser! Music notation programs allow you to create professional looking sheet music. You can easily save your music for future use and further editing. Transposing is near effortless. What use to take hours can be done in a matter of minutes. It will even play your music for you in whatever voices you choose. Mute your descant line then practice by playing or singing along. Check out this link - Music Notation Software, to see a complete list of all that are available. Here are 3 main ones that I recommend:
Sibelius -
this is the one the professionals use, very expensive. Get
the Sibelius
Student Edition first, then upgrade to the full
version later at a discount price.Prior to writing your descant, you need to acquire a copy of the original hymn tune, the great majority of which are public domain and can usually be found on one of the following sites:
The first three sites have hymn tunes in midi format (MID), importable by conversion, to most any notation software. They also, have the tunes available in NWC format, which can be directly opened by NoteWorthy Composer. The CCEH site also has some Finale scores, though there does not seem to be an easy way to find them. The RUF Hymnbook has Finale (MUS) and Sibelius (ETF) files.
Check to see
if
there is an online version of your church's hymnal. Start
your search here » MIDI
Hymnals 
That which sounds and looks good on the computer screen may not always work well in reality. Futher refinements of your descant are often required. Take into consideration the skill of the performers as they practice and be sure that there is adequate rehersal time. Also, you must consider your audience and their particular worship style and cultural leanings or the descant will not have its desired effect. If the descant is too powerful and not inviting to the ear, make the adjustments. It must float beautifully above the melody. Do not be afraid to try something new. Nudge traditon a litte bit at a time. Even the old hymns were at one time new and potentially controversial in style. Enter into this new endeavor with much prayer. Spiritual guidance is a must. You will reap blessings and experience joy.
Do not enter into creating these "new songs" as a means of uplifting yourself. We are to have the same love attitude as Christ (Phillipians 2:5). It is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly (1 Corithians 13). You are a minister of music, attending to the worship desires and needs of the congregation through music. This music should touch the deep recesses of the soul, bringing both you and your audience closer to the Creator and each other.
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