Pop & Movie Hits A to Z: Piano Book

Coates has an instinct for what makes a song memorable, and these 45 arrangements prove it. Every title lands solidly under the hands without requiring technical gymnastics, so students experience the satisfaction of sounding polished immediately. The collection spans decades and genres, which means you can assign pieces that genuinely excite your students rather than settling for whatever fits the level.

Opening this book feels like discovering a jukebox of your favorite moments. Whether you're playing a sweeping Disney number, a rock anthem, a movie theme, or a nostalgic standard, the arrangements sit comfortably under your fingers while the melodies shine through. There's an immediate sense of accomplishment paired with genuine musical enjoyment.

This collection serves piano students at early intermediate stages who want to play recognizable, engaging music without getting bogged down in technical complications. It's equally valuable for adult learners returning to piano and for young students who thrive when they can play songs their families know and love.

• Learn the melody first without worrying about the left hand; this keeps the focus on phrasing and makes the arrangement feel less like a technical exercise.
• Use recordings of the original songs as reference material. Hearing the intended tempo, articulation, and emotional tone helps students nail the character even at an easy level.
• Pay attention to the chord symbols and harmonic rhythm in the accompaniment; understanding the underlying harmony deepens interpretation and makes memorization easier.
• Practice hands separately until the fingering feels natural, especially in pieces with wider intervallic leaps or syncopated rhythms.

Stock this book for students who are ready to move beyond exercises but need arrangements that respect their current technical range. Use it for recitals, since the variety means you can program four or five pieces from one source and create a diverse, engaging concert. It's also excellent for building student confidence during the transition from method books to repertoire.

• Sight-reading of moderate chord changes and harmonic progressions
• Phrasing and expression at the early intermediate level
• Familiarity with jazz voicings and popular music harmonies
• Left-hand independence in supporting melodic lines
• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated and contemporary contexts
• Memorization strategies for longer, song-form pieces