Famous & Fun Pop, Book 1 Cover Image

Famous & Fun Pop, Book 1: Piano Book

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Famous & Fun Pop, Book 1 Cover Image

Famous & Fun Pop, Book 1: Piano Book

11 Appealing Piano Arrangements

Arranged by Carol Matz

Level: Early Elementary

Item: 00-22420

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Description
Carefully selected popular hits from movies, radio and television are arranged especially for students. Optional duet parts for teacher or parent add to the fun. Eleven attractive arrangements including: The Ballad of Gilligan's Isle * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Theme from Inspector Gadget * The Merry-Go-Round Broke Down * Over the Rainbow * Peter Cottontail * Puff (the Magic Dragon) * Scooby Doo, Where Are You * Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious * This Is It! * This Land Is Your Land. 24 pages.

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Additional Details
Series: Famous & Fun
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 24
ISBN10: 0-7390-4165-7
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-4165-9
UPC: 038081233130
SKU: 00-22420

More about this title

About the Arranger: Carol Matz

Carol Matz

Carol Matz brings three decades of classroom experience to every arrangement she creates. A composer and arranger with over 300 published works to her name, Matz has spent her career understanding exactly what engages young pianists and what fits their developing technical abilities. She has led piano pedagogy workshops across North America, the UK, and the South Pacific, and her compositions span orchestral, jazz, chamber, and studio work.

Matz studied composition and arranging at the University of Miami, where she developed the versatility that defines her Famous & Fun series. Her background in studio work and ensemble writing informs her approach to creating accessible arrangements that never feel watered down.

Why we love this

These arrangements hit the sweet spot between recognizable and achievable. Early elementary students recognize every title instantly, which builds their confidence and keeps them motivated through the technical work required. The optional duet parts transform what could be a solo practice routine into a social event, whether a teacher plays along or a parent gets involved at home.

What to expect

These arrangements feel like favorites you already know. The melodies sit naturally under the fingers, the accompaniments support without overwhelming, and every page delivers a familiar song that lands exactly as expected. There's genuine joy in playing through these pieces, the satisfaction of recognition mixed with the accomplishment of learning something substantial.

Who it's for

This book belongs in the hands of early elementary piano students building fluency and confidence. Parents looking to support their child's practice at home will find accessible arrangements that actually sound like the real songs students hear and love. Piano teachers working with younger students who need immediate rewards and recognition will have a go-to resource for recitals, group classes, and motivating practice time.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody so it sings above the accompaniment, even when both hands are active. These songs live or die by their tune.
  • Take advantage of the duet parts in rehearsal to help students feel the harmonic foundation. Having the accompaniment part played while they learn the melody line removes one variable at a time.
  • Tap the groove in these pieces before you play them. Many arrangements sit lightly on familiar rhythmic feels, and hearing that pulse first helps students lock in quickly.
  • Invite families to perform the duet parts. Nothing motivates a young student like the chance to play alongside their parent in a recital setting.

How to use it

Use these for early-year recitals when students are still building performance stamina and need material that speaks to audiences of all ages. Pair one or two selections with the duet part performed by a teacher or parent volunteer to showcase how far your students have come by mid-year. These arrangements also serve beautifully as supplemental repertoire alongside a core method book, offering a break from technical studies while reinforcing the same skills.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading intervals and recognizing melodic contours in familiar harmonic contexts
  • Hand coordination with simple two-hand independence patterns
  • Sustaining a melodic line while managing an active accompaniment
  • Sight-reading confidence through immediately recognizable material
  • Duet awareness and ensemble listening when playing with a partner part

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