Greatest Hits: The 2000s for Piano: Piano Book

This collection captures 40 songs that defined the 2000s across multiple genres: pop anthems, country crossovers, Disney moments, Broadway standouts, and indie hits all sit naturally together. Coates's arrangements honor each song's melodic identity while keeping the technical demands manageable, so students stay engaged with songs they actually know and love rather than grinding through abstract exercises.

You'll move from the driving energy of 'Bring Me to Life' and 'Before He Cheats' into the tender vulnerability of 'My Immortal' and 'Make You Feel My Love,' then shift gears into uplifting moments like 'Let It Go' and 'Everything Is Awesome.' The collection mirrors the 2000s itself: eclectic, emotionally honest, and defiantly democratic about what songs matter.

This book suits pianists in early intermediate study who want to play songs they recognize and enjoy sharing with others. It's ideal for students ready to move beyond beginner method books but still building confidence in reading and interpreting music.

• Listen to the original recordings beforehand. Knowing the vocal melody and production style will help you shape phrasing and dynamics in ways that honor what made each song memorable.
• Pedal thoughtfully through chord changes. Easy piano arranging often relies on the sustain pedal to create fullness, but be precise about when to change it so harmonies stay clear.
• Let the left hand breathe. Many of these arrangements use steady accompaniment patterns; resist the urge to rush them by staying grounded in the pulse rather than pushing ahead.
• Experiment with tempo. Songs like 'Let It Go' and 'Frozen' pieces work well at various speeds. Find a tempo that feels natural to your hands and serves the song's emotional arc.

Draw from this collection throughout the year to build recital programs that connect with your students and their families. A student can prepare two or three songs of contrasting mood for a spring recital, or you might feature one or two pieces in a casual studio showcase alongside classical or original compositions. These arrangements also work well for community performances where songs people recognize create immediate engagement.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheets with simple harmonic accompaniment
• Coordinating left-hand patterns with right-hand melody across varied song structures
• Managing pedal changes to support harmony without muddying chord progressions
• Building dynamic and expressive interpretation from listening to original recordings
• Sight-reading across multiple song styles and keys within a single book