Anastasia, Selections from: Piano Book

Robert Schultz's big note arrangements preserve the emotional sweep of these melodies while keeping the technical demands firmly in beginner territory. Students get to play recognizable film music that sounds complete and satisfying on just the piano part, without feeling simplified in musicality.

Wistful, grand, and tinged with Russian winter atmosphere. These melodies carry the longing and adventure of the film's story, offering pianists a taste of cinematic storytelling through arranged, straightforward playing.

Beginning to early-intermediate pianists who want substantial repertoire beyond method books. This collection appeals to students drawn to film music and to teachers seeking songs with built-in cultural recognition and lyrical content.

• Balance the melody generously against any left-hand accompaniment so the film's memorable hooks come through clearly.
• Let the tempo breathe, especially in ballads like "Once Upon a December" and "Journey to the Past." Resist rushing through sustained notes.
• Where lyrics are printed, consider singing along or having a vocalist perform with your playing to capture the dramatic context these melodies carry.

Program selections individually as recital pieces or group several together for a film music showcase. The mix of character songs and ballads lets you pair pieces by tempo and mood in student concerts.

• Reading and performing accessible chord progressions in both treble and bass clefs
• Maintaining melodic clarity while managing simple accompaniment patterns
• Interpreting film-based music with dramatic and expressive intention
• Sight-reading pieces in varied keys and time signatures across a single collection