Pop! Goes the Piano, Book 2: Piano Book

This collection hits the sweet spot between engagement and musicianship. Olson writes idiomatically for each style without resorting to cheap effects; students experience authentic jazz voicings, Latin rhythms, and blues harmony rather than simplified approximations. The variety means you can assign pieces that match individual student interests while building the same core skills.

Contemporary and unpretentious. These pieces sparkle with the energy of jazz standards, radio-friendly pop, and feel-good country without ever winking at the audience. They're genuinely fun to play while sounding polished in performance.

Intermediate piano students who want to play music beyond the classical canon while still developing serious technique. Teachers seeking repertoire that keeps lessons engaging and relevant to student life, especially those working with students who might otherwise lose interest in piano.

• Attend to the rhythmic pocket of each style. Latin and jazz pieces require different approaches to swing and groove; spend rehearsal time locking into the feel rather than just the notes.
• Use the stylistic contrasts between pieces to explore tone color and pedal work. A ballad demands different touch and sustain than a uptempo pop number.
• Let students hear professional recordings of each style before they begin learning. They'll internalize phrasing, dynamic shape, and articulation far more quickly with a sonic reference.

Ideal for student recitals where you want to break up a classical program with contemporary color. Strong candidates for opening or closing recital segments, or for pairing with a Baroque or Classical piece to show stylistic range. Also excellent for informal school showcases where approachability matters as much as artistry.

• Jazz voicing and harmony (sevenths, ninths, extended chords)
• Latin rhythmic patterns and syncopation
• Blues form and blues scale application
• Genre-specific articulation and phrasing
• Stylistic pedal technique across different contexts
• Left-hand independence in swing and rhythmic accompaniment patterns