After the Storm: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gathers some of Flaherty's most singable, dramatically versatile material in one resource. The range of styles and moods across 26 songs means you can program pieces that fit nearly any vocal student, choir concert, or recital context without needing to hunt across multiple publications. The songs maintain theatrical integrity while remaining accessible to young singers and pianists who are discovering art song and musical theatre repertoire.

These songs capture the theatrical storytelling that made Flaherty and Ahrens' shows successful. You'll encounter moments of genuine vulnerability alongside whimsy, sophisticated harmonies grounded in memorable melodies, and lyrics that give singers clear emotional and dramatic anchors. The music feels both contemporary and rooted in strong musical theatre tradition.

Solo singers preparing recitals, vocal students exploring contemporary musical theatre repertoire, and pianists looking for engaging accompanying material that balances accessibility with artistic substance. This collection also serves music teachers building a repertoire library for school performances, showcases, or curriculum that includes American musical theatre.

• Pay careful attention to Flaherty's harmonic choices; they often shift unexpectedly to support lyrical meaning. The chord symbols guide you, but understanding the voice leading underneath will help you accompany with genuine musicality rather than mechanical block chords.
• Many of these songs sit in the middle-to-upper ranges. Transpose thoughtfully for your vocalist's instrument and avoid forcing range extension. A song sung confidently in a comfortable key will always sound better than one stretched beyond reasonable limits.
• Allow silence and space to breathe in the arrangements. Flaherty's songs often build through accumulation of ideas rather than constant activity. Resist the urge to fill every rest with accompaniment flourishes.
• Listen to recorded versions when available to hear how tempo and rhythmic flexibility shape the emotional arc. These songs are written to support specific storytelling moments, and pacing matters enormously.

Select individual songs to build a thematic recital or concert set exploring different moods and vocal colors. "Once Upon a December" and "At the Beginning" work beautifully as softer, lyrical moments, while "Make Them Hear You" and "Wheels of a Dream" provide powerful belt opportunities. The collection also serves as a resource for spring concerts, cabaret-style performances, or audition preparation for students interested in musical theatre training.

• Singing in varied theatrical styles across contemporary musical theatre
• Reading and interpreting chord symbols in a piano/vocal score format
• Supporting legit and belt vocal production through appropriate accompaniment voicing
• Understanding how harmony and melody work together to express character and emotion
• Sight-reading ensemble parts if songs are adapted for group performance