Current Hits for Students, Book 1: Piano Book

These arrangements nail the balance between authentic pop sound and playable technique. Matz respects the iconic hooks and structures of each hit while staying true to late-elementary limitations, making students feel like they're performing real songs rather than simplified exercises. The collection pairs well with recital programming because each title is short enough to program multiple students on a single concert without fatigue.

Bright, energetic, and utterly current. These arrangements capture the spirit of radio hits with straightforward harmonic progressions and memorable melodies that sit naturally under the hands. Playing through this collection feels like stepping into the world of contemporary pop, not working through an exercise book.

Late-elementary piano students who thrive on contemporary repertoire and want to play music they hear on the radio. This book works for students in group classes or private lessons who need accessible arrangements that still sound genuinely musical. It is also useful for teachers seeking recital pieces that keep student motivation high without introducing technical barriers.

• Lean into the rhythmic lift of these pop melodies; avoid a metronomic approach even in straightforward 4/4 sections.
• Use the left hand to anchor rhythmic energy rather than playing mechanically through harmonic changes.
• Balance melody clarity with the accompaniment pattern so the song's hook always comes through.

Build a student recital around multiple selections from this book and showcase different contemporary voices and styles in a single concert. Alternatively, use individual pieces as warm-up repertoire for technique-focused lessons or as rewards after completing a method book unit. The variety of tempos and styles makes this collection ideal for mixed-level group studio classes.

• Reading within one-flat key signatures
• Executing simple left-hand accompaniment patterns in 4/4 and 3/4
• Phrasing pop melodies with appropriate rubato and rhythmic feel
• Balancing melody projection with accompaniment support
• Building sight-reading fluency across accessible contemporary repertoire