Broadway Hits for the Teen Player: Piano Book

These 20 Broadway classics arrive in arrangements that let teenage pianists genuinely enjoy playing iconic material. Coates balances accessibility with authenticity; the melodies sing, the harmonies feel rich, and players stay engaged because they recognize the songs. For a studio teacher or school music program, this collection builds repertoire that motivates practice.

Opening this book feels like stepping into the energy and storytelling of Broadway itself. Each arrangement invites the player into music filled with character, from the joyful swing of 'Dancing Queen' to the tender yearning of 'Aquarius,' while remaining within the hands of a confident teen pianist.

Teenage pianists who have moved past beginner method books and are ready to perform recognizable repertoire at an easy-to-intermediate level. This book works equally well for student pianists in private lessons, school music programs, or students preparing recital material that excites both performer and audience.

• Play through the accompaniment patterns first without the melody to internalize the rhythmic feel and harmonic movement of each song.
• Find the emotional arc within each phrase rather than rushing through melodies; these songs were written to carry a story.
• Practice hands separately to lock in the accompaniment texture, especially in pieces with rhythmic figures that sit under the melody.
• Experiment with rubato in slower passages like 'On the Street Where You Live' and 'Send in the Clowns' to bring out the lyrical quality.

Assign pieces from this collection as students reach intermediate levels; the variety in style and era means you can match songs to individual musical interests and learning goals. Several arrangements work beautifully in student recitals or informal performance settings, where recognizable titles engage audiences and boost student confidence.

• Recognizing and playing major and minor chord progressions common to popular song forms
• Balancing melody against rhythmic accompaniment patterns
• Interpreting lyrical phrasing through rubato and dynamic shaping
• Reading and executing standard piano accompaniment textures (Alberti bass, stride patterns, broken chords)
• Sustaining musical line and character across longer pieces