2015 Greatest Pop & Movie Hits: Piano Book

Matz understands what keeps young pianists engaged. These arrangements capture the energy and melodic appeal of 2015's biggest hits without overwhelming late elementary players; the big note format keeps page turns manageable and reading fluent. The inclusion of lyrics and chord symbols transforms this from a solo repertoire book into a genuine performance tool that lets students sing while they play or collaborate with vocalists, deepening musical communication in a way pure instrumentals rarely achieve.

These arrangements sparkle with the optimism and immediacy of current pop radio. Whether you're tackling the infectious groove of "All About That Bass" or the soaring emotion of "I See Fire," the writing captures what made these songs resonate in 2015 while keeping technical demands proportionate to your growing skills.

Late elementary and early intermediate pianists ready to play music they recognize and want to share with family and friends. Students motivated by contemporary pop and film soundtracks will find immediate connection to material that feels current and rewarding to master.

• Balance the melody line so it speaks clearly above the accompaniment, even when both hands carry equally important material. These songs depend on listeners recognizing the hook immediately.
• Honor the rhythmic character of each genre. The pop songs benefit from steady pulse and minimal rubato; the movie songs often invite slightly more flexibility in phrasing and dynamics.
• Use the lyrics as a guide to phrasing and expression, even when playing without a singer. Singing the melody silently while you play anchors emotional intention.
• Experiment with the chord symbols by adding simple left-hand variations once the melody feels secure. This builds harmonic awareness and keeps practice fresh across multiple playings.

Build a student recital entirely around contemporary hits, giving young pianists agency over their own programming choices. Alternately, pair these with classical or jazz standards to demonstrate how melody, harmony, and accompaniment patterns transcend genre. Each song stands alone as a short concert piece or ensemble number.

• Reading big note notation and navigating chord symbols
• Maintaining steady pulse while managing two-hand coordination in pop rhythmic patterns
• Balancing melody and accompaniment to project primary melodic content
• Connecting lyrics to musical phrasing and emotional expression
• Sight-reading contemporary song forms and harmonic structures