Piano for Two, Book 2: Elementary Piano Book

The repertoire balances beloved standards with enough variety to keep both parts engaged, "The Stars and Stripes Forever" and "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy" sit comfortably beside folk songs and character pieces. Matz writes duet parts where neither player feels like an accompanist; each line has melodic or harmonic purpose.

A concert of familiar favorites transformed into conversations between two pianists. These arrangements let both players feel the satisfaction of making music together while staying rooted in territory they know well.

Elementary pianists ready to experience ensemble playing without the technical stretch of more advanced repertoire. This book works for students who read confidently in treble clef and can sustain their focus through a complete piece alongside a partner.

• Balance the melody across both players rather than emphasizing the primo part; several selections trade the tune back and forth, which only works if both pianists listen equally.
• Record a run-through of the accompaniment part alone before rehearsing together; it helps the primo player internalize the harmonic foundation they're building on.
• Treat the opening of "La Cinquantaine" with rubato, Matz gives you space here, so let the phrase breathe rather than locking strictly to the beat.
• In the "Mexican Festival," keep the rhythmic figures clean and precise; the energy comes from clarity, not speed.

Include a duet or two on a spring recital, the variety of styles means you can program one for gentle opening warmth and another for brighter midsection energy. Alternatively, use duets throughout the year as a way to build listening and collaboration skills during regular lessons, then spotlight a polished selection at year-end performance.

• Listening to a second pianist while maintaining their own part
• Tracking harmonic progression through accompaniment figures
• Coordinating tempo and phrasing across two independent lines
• Reading and interpreting standard 19th- and early 20th-century arranging conventions
• Building confidence in ensemble contexts before chamber music or band experience