Dan Coates has done it again! By popular demand, With You in Mind was produced to accommodate his fans' need for a set of original piano solos. From contemporary to jazz to classical, he has provided a wonderful collection incorporating every style. On the included recording, you will find Dan himself performing each solo as only he can do. Eight original titles: At Dawn * Autumn Etude * Celebration * Classical Folly * Jazz in 3 * Once Upon Another Time * Wind-up Lullaby * With You in Mind.
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Dan Coates built his reputation over nearly five decades by translating the work of major composers and recording artists into idiomatic piano writing. His arrangements of John Williams film scores, Burt Bacharach standards, and Elton John classics have earned the confidence of the artists themselves, each recognizing his gift for preserving the character of the original while crafting something pianistically engaging. From Broadway to pop radio, his catalog spans virtually every musical genre.
Beyond transcription, Coates composes original works designed specifically for student pianists at varying levels. His output as one of Alfred Music's most published authors reflects a deep commitment to the working pianist: 4.4 million copies sold worldwide testify to his understanding of what players actually want to perform.
Why we love this
Coates writes original music that sounds like it belongs in a recital without requiring students to grapple with unfamiliar harmonic language or structural complexity. The stylistic range here matters: having jazz, contemporary, and classical pieces in one collection means your students encounter different compositional approaches within a single book, building versatility without redundancy. The included recording of Coates performing his own work gives students an interpretive reference that's neither over-romanticized nor minimalist.
What to expect
This collection moves fluidly between moods: some pieces dawn quietly with introspection, others sparkle with rhythmic energy or jazz sophistication. There's an unhurried elegance to pieces like "Once Upon Another Time" and a playful wit in "Classical Folly," giving the collection personality without veering toward novelty.
Who it's for
Late intermediate and advanced pianists seeking original compositions that combine technical interest with immediate musical satisfaction. Solo recital performers and student musicians preparing auditions or competitions will find pieces that allow personality to emerge without demanding virtuosity beyond their current level.
How to get the most out of it
Explore the recording as a study tool during practice rather than as something to imitate exactly. Notice how Coates voices chords and voices voicings and phrasing in each piece, then make intentional choices about where your interpretation aligns or diverges.
Pay close attention to rhythmic precision in the jazz and contemporary pieces where syncopation and rubato create character. Lock the underlying pulse before adding interpretive flexibility.
Use the classical and etude pieces to refine touch and voicing control; these pieces reward clarity and allow harmonic progression to speak without excessive pedal.
How to use it
These eight pieces work beautifully as individual recital selections or as a complete program for a student pianist recital. The stylistic variety also makes the collection ideal for a community or coffee house concert where you want to showcase range within one performer.
Skills your students will build
Stylistic contrast and interpretation across jazz, contemporary, and classical idioms
Voicing control and harmonic clarity in classical writing
Rhythmic precision and swing feel in jazz contexts
Expressive freedom balanced with structural integrity
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