Play That Tune, Book 2: 29 Tunes to Sing and Play: Piano

Like opening a trunk of American musical nostalgia. You'll recognize nearly every tune immediately, and the simple textures let the melodies shine without technical barriers. There's joy in this collection, the kind that comes from playing something you know and love.

Early intermediate pianists who benefit from repertoire that bridges the gap between beginning method books and more complex arrangements. This collection works especially well for students who sing and want to develop the dual skill of playing accompaniment while maintaining a vocal line.

• Balance the melody in your right hand so it projects clearly, especially when the left hand introduces even modest harmonic movement. Slight dynamic emphasis on the melody line makes the tune immediately recognizable.
• Sing while you play. The "sing and play" concept works best when you're genuinely connecting your voice to the keyboard line, not just reading notes in silence.
• Keep the left-hand support steady and unhurried. Simple doesn't mean rushed; let the chord progressions breathe so the melody has room to emerge.
• Experiment with light pedal use on pieces where sustained harmony supports a singing melody. Test whether the pedal enriches the sound or muddies it in your acoustic space.

Build a "sing and play" studio recital where each student performs one or two selections from this collection. The songs work well as warm-up material at the start of ensemble rehearsals, or as pieces that students can teach to younger siblings or friends, extending their musical reach beyond the practice room.

• Balancing melody and accompaniment on the keyboard
• Playing melodies while maintaining vocal awareness
• Reading chord progressions and harmonic movement in simple contexts
• Coordinating independent hand roles (melody vs. support)
• Interpreting familiar songs with stylistic control