Home: Piano/Vocal/Chords
American Authors
Item: 00-PS-0015787
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Description
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More about this title
About the Composer: Zachary Barnett
Zachary Barnett is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of American Authors, the indie rock band that emerged from New York City in the early 2010s. As the creative force behind the group's distinctive sound, Barnett collaborates with bandmates James Adam Shelley, Matthew Sanchez, David Rublin, Shep Goodman, and Aaron Accetta to craft catchy, emotionally resonant pop-rock songs that balance introspective lyrics with accessible melodies.
Barnett's songwriting draws from personal experience and contemporary themes, translating into music that connects with a broad audience. His work with American Authors demonstrates how strong melodic writing and relatable storytelling can sustain a recording career across multiple albums and touring cycles.
Why we love this
This folio captures a contemporary indie rock album that students actually know and want to play. The combination of piano, vocal melody, and guitar chords makes it accessible across multiple instruments and skill levels, whether a pianist works through the accompaniment, a singer learns the melody, or a guitarist follows the chord symbols.
What to expect
Upbeat yet introspective, these songs blend catchy pop hooks with genuine emotional depth. Each track carries an accessible energy that feels modern and relevant without demanding virtuosity, making the music feel within reach for players who connect with the lyrics and melodies.
Who it's for
Pianists, guitarists, and singers who want to perform contemporary popular music with substance. Teens and adult students drawn to indie rock will find themselves motivated to learn these songs, whether for solo performance, small ensemble, or classroom sing-alongs.
How to get the most out of it
- Balance the vocal line over the piano accompaniment so the melody stays centered in the mix; treat the piano as supportive texture rather than primary focus.
- Study the original recordings to internalize the rhythmic groove and feel of each song; indie rock relies on subtle timing and pocket playing that notation alone cannot capture.
- Adjust voicings and chord interpretations based on your instrument and the ensemble size; if performing solo or with limited instruments, simplify rather than add layers.
- Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing and emotional arc of each song when shaping dynamics and tempo; these indie rock songs thrive on emotional honesty rather than technical display.
How to use it
Integrate individual songs into a contemporary music unit or a "songs students request" program. These tracks work equally well as warm-ups in a vocal rehearsal, as accompaniment material for pianists and guitarists developing sight-reading skills, or as standalone performance pieces for a student recital.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and interpreting chord symbols for guitar accompaniment
- Coordinating melody, lyrics, and harmonic support across piano and voice
- Understanding pop and indie rock song structure and phrasing
- Adapting sheet music to different voicings and instrumental combinations
- Building rhythmic and stylistic accuracy through contemporary repertoire