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I Used to Play Piano: 20s and 30s Hits: Piano Book

$8.95 USD

I Used to Play Piano: 20s and 30s Hits: Piano Book

Name: I Used to Play Piano: 20s and 30s Hits: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-32162
Price: 8.95 USD
Availability: InStock

An Innovative Approach for Adults Returning to the Piano

Arranged by Carol Matz

Item: 00-32162

$8.95

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Adults returning to the piano after a break will have a blast playing well-arranged pop hits from recordings, Broadway and television. These carefully sequenced collections correlate with I Used to Play Piano: Refresher Course, Alfred Item #22166. Titles: Ain't Misbehavin' * Anything Goes * As Time Goes By * Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue * I Get a Kick Out of You * I Got Rhythm * It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing) * Let's Call the Whole Thing Off * Over the Rainbow * Rhapsody in Blue * Singin' in the Rain * They Can't Take That Away from Me.

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Series: I Used to Play Piano

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 32

ISBN10: 0-7390-5916-5

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-5916-6

UPC: 038081352565

SKU: 00-32162

More about this title

About the Arranger: Carol Matz

Carol Matz brings three decades of publishing experience to piano education, with over 300 compositions, arrangements, and instructional works in print. A pianist and teacher herself, she has led workshops across North America, the UK, and the South Pacific, and is recognized for her Famous & Fun series. Her formal training in composition, arranging, and orchestration at the University of Miami equipped her to write across multiple ensembles and styles, from jazz big bands to string quartets.

Matz's studio work in Miami recording sessions gave her direct experience translating commercial recordings into playable arrangements. That real-world sensibility shapes her approach to the I Used to Play Piano series, where accuracy to the original sound meets the practical needs of returning pianists.

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Why we love this

These arrangements hit the sweet spot between authenticity and accessibility. Each tune preserves the character of the original recording while staying well within reach for pianists dusting off their skills after years away. The sequencing works hand in hand with the companion refresher course, so players rebuild confidence through songs they already love.

What to expect

These arrangements transport you to the golden age of American popular music, with all the glamour and sophistication of that era. Playing through titles like 'Anything Goes,' 'I Get a Kick Out of You,' and 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off' feels like stepping into a 1930s nightclub where you belong behind the piano. The melodies are immediately satisfying; the harmonies are rich but never overwhelming.

Who it's for

Adults returning to piano after a significant break will find this collection perfect for rekindling their love of playing. The songs are instantly recognizable, historically rich, and written at a level that respects your returning skills without insulting them. This book pairs naturally with the I Used to Play Piano refresher course for a complete comeback experience.

How to get the most out of it

Pay attention to the swing feel in 'It Don't Mean a Thing' and 'I Got Rhythm.' The notation guides you, but let the jazz inflection breathe rather than playing it mechanically.
In 'Rhapsody in Blue,' honor the rubato marked in the score. These songs belong to a jazz-influenced era where rhythmic flexibility was the norm.
Balance the melody and accompaniment carefully in the standards like 'As Time Goes By' and 'Over the Rainbow.' The arrangement supports your voice, not drowns it out.
Use the arrangement of 'Singin' in the Rain' as a chance to explore tempo and articulation. The arrangement allows room for your own phrasing choices.

How to use it

These songs work beautifully in recitals celebrating American standards or nostalgia-themed performances. They also pair well with vocal recitals as solo piano selections between singers or as an opening set to establish mood. For teachers using the refresher course with adult students, this book provides the motivating repertoire that makes returning to music feel like a homecoming, not a chore.