Easy Hits for Kids Band 6: Easy Hits Piano Book

Gerlitz understands what motivates young pianists: current chart hits arranged to sound polished without requiring advanced technique. This book delivers recognizable melodies that students will actually want to practice, paired with arrangements that respect the realities of intermediate-level pianists. The collection rewards consistent effort with genuinely satisfying results.

Playing through this collection feels like sitting at the piano with a friend who just handed you the songs you've had stuck in your head all week. Each arrangement sounds complete and polished enough to impress, yet remains grounded in achievable technique. You're playing real hits, not simplified substitutes.

Pianists in grades 5-8 who read music at an intermediate level and want to play songs they actually hear on the radio. Students preparing recital pieces that feel contemporary and engaging will find immediate appeal here.

• Balance the melody against accompanying figures so the tune stays prominent. Use pedal sparingly to avoid muddying harmonies, especially in left-hand patterns.
• Work through rhythmic figures hands separately first, then integrate them slowly before building tempo. Many current hits use syncopation that requires clean coordination.
• Listen to the original recording of each hit to internalize the groove and phrasing. Your interpretation will feel more authentic when you understand how the song breathes.

Feature individual selections in student recitals, winter or spring concerts, or casual performance days when you want to spotlight repertoire that resonates with young audiences. The collection also works well for motivating practice routines during the school year when morale dips.

• reading contemporary chord progressions and rhythmic patterns
• balancing melody and accompaniment in both hands
• managing syncopated rhythms at moderate tempos
• interpreting popular music idioms on acoustic piano
• building performance confidence through recognizable repertoire