Dan Coates Popular Piano Library: On the Stage, Book 2: Piano Book

Coates understands exactly where early intermediate pianists live musically and technically. These Broadway arrangements preserve the melody and harmonic color of beloved showstoppers while staying within reach, complete with thoughtful fingering and pedaling that guides students toward good technique without overcomplicating the music.

Broadway enters the practice room with warmth and personality. These seven arrangements pulse with the energy and heart of their source musicals, from the syncopated swagger of 'And All That Jazz' to the soaring romanticism of 'Suddenly, Seymour.' Each piece carries genuine theatrical character without demanding virtuosity.

Early intermediate to intermediate piano students ready to explore repertoire beyond classical etudes and method book selections. Teachers will find these arrangements ideal for students who need motivation, enjoy musical theater, or benefit from recognizable melodies while developing their technical foundation.

• Let the melody sing through by voicing it slightly above the accompaniment, especially in pieces like 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' where the tune carries the emotional weight.
• Observe the pedaling indications closely; Coates marks them strategically to create the orchestral resonance that makes Broadway music soar without muddying the harmony.
• Treat these as songs first. Imagine the character or scene from the musical and shape your phrasing to tell that story rather than simply executing the notes.

Feature individual pieces in studio recitals where students can perform recognizable titles that engage family and friends. Alternatively, select several pieces to create a Broadway-themed recital program, or use them as supplementary repertoire alongside classical studies to keep students invested in their playing.

• Phrasing and musical storytelling within accessible arrangements
• Pedal technique and when to use resonance versus clarity
• Hand independence and accompaniment patterns that don't require advanced technique
• Reading music with fingering guidance that reinforces proper hand position
• Interpretation of jazz and theatrical idioms at an introductory level