In Tune With Favorite Songs: Early Intermediate/Intermediate Piano Book

This collection solves the real problem of finding arrangements that respect both the integrity of beloved melodies and the technical growth of developing pianists. Matz's decades in the studio and classroom shine through in writing that never condescends; each piece asks students to stretch without overwhelming them. The mix of folk standards and American classics gives your students songs that feel immediately rewarding to play.

Like discovering that the songs you already know by heart suddenly live under your fingers. There's comfort in melody paired with just enough pianistic texture to make you feel like a real musician, not just someone playing by rote.

Students working through early intermediate to intermediate levels who need a steady stream of recognizable material to sustain motivation. Piano teachers building a mixed-ability studio will find multiple pieces at comparable technical levels, making this ideal for recitals or audition prep when students can't yet perform the same piece.

• Treat the familiar melodies as singing lines; shape the phrases the way a vocalist would breathe, resisting the urge to rush passages just because students recognize the tune.
• Explore the accompaniment patterns as carefully as the melody. Matz often uses them to reinforce harmonic understanding, so pointing out chord progressions during rehearsal deepens comprehension.
• Let students choose which songs matter most to them. Ownership over repertoire accelerates progress and keeps practice sessions engaging through the middle levels.

Use this as a primary source for student recitals throughout the year, rotating selections so you're never playing the same piece twice. The collection's breadth also makes it valuable for group lessons or community performances where you want repertoire that resonates with audiences while keeping technical demands reasonable.

• Phrase shaping and expressive control at moderate tempos
• Right-hand melodic independence while maintaining consistent accompaniment patterns
• Harmonic awareness through analyzing chord progressions in familiar contexts
• Stylistic interpretation of folk melodies and American standards
• Building confidence through early success with recognizable material