Hairspray, Selections from: Piano Book

Carol Matz's arrangements capture the exuberance of Shaiman's original orchestrations without overwhelming piano students. The easy-piano adaptations preserve the infectious rhythmic drive and melodic hooks that made Hairspray a phenomenon, giving students access to songs they actually recognize and want to play. This collection bridges the gap between entertainment and musicianship, making practice feel like celebration rather than obligation.

Hairspray bursts with joy, sass, and unapologetic fun. These pieces fizz with energy and humor, combining 1960s Motown influences, pop sensibility, and theatrical flair into music that makes you want to move. Every selection carries the infectious optimism and heart that made the musical a cultural phenomenon.

This collection suits piano students at early-intermediate levels who respond to contemporary music and musical theater repertoire. Whether they're fans of the film, the original stage production, or simply drawn to songs with personality and groove, these arrangements offer engaging material that builds technical facility without requiring advanced voicing skills.

• Keep the tempo brisk but not rushed, especially in "Good Morning Baltimore." The energy comes from rhythmic clarity and articulation, not from racing through the measures.
• Lean into the rhythmic syncopation and groove of "You Can't Stop the Beat." Let the left hand establish the pocket before pushing the melody forward.
• Voice the chords in "I Can Hear the Bells" warmly; this ballad relies on harmonic color and space to convey emotion rather than aggressive dynamics.
• Balance texture in "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now," where the melody often sits in the upper register. Keep accompaniment figures supportive rather than competing.

Use selections from this book in student recitals, particularly for pianists who might otherwise shy away from classical repertoire. You can also program "You Can't Stop the Beat" as an energetic finale to a studio showcase or spring concert, or extract individual selections for students to learn as part of a film-music or musical-theater unit. The full-color artwork makes this collection appealing for public performance contexts where visual appeal enhances the experience.

• Syncopated rhythm reading and execution
• Pedal control for harmonic texture and atmosphere
• Tempo control and groove stability
• Chord voicing and balance between melody and accompaniment
• Musical expression and stylistic interpretation in pop and theatrical contexts