Second Chance: Piano/Vocal/Chords

Energetic and diverse. One moment you're into the synth-driven pop of Katy Perry, the next you're navigating the dynamics of a Shinedown rock ballad or the sophisticated groove of a T.I. hip-hop track. The mood shifts track to track, but the consistent thread is music that connected with audiences in 2009.

Pianists and keyboardists who want to build a contemporary setlist for recitals, accompaniment work, or personal performance. This collection is equally valuable for vocalists who need piano/vocal charts with chords for self-accompaniment or rehearsal with a pianist.

• Study the original recordings before you sit down with the score. These arrangements are written to reflect the production and energy of the 2009 versions, so hearing them first helps you understand the intended feel.
• Pay attention to the chord changes in styles you're less familiar with. Rock and pop harmony often moves differently than classical progressions; let your ears adjust to the voice leading.
• If you're accompanying a vocalist, start by playing through each song alone to find the tempo and groove that feels natural, then invite the singer in once you've locked it.

Build a contemporary showcase by mixing several songs from this collection to show range and accessibility. You might program two or three contrasting titles as a medley for a recital, or draw individual songs for student performance exams where popular music repertoire is encouraged. This works well for music theater programs looking to supplement classical training with current commercial material.

• Reading pop and rock chord charts with lead sheets
• Interpreting rhythmic notation specific to contemporary music styles
• Accompanying vocalists with proper harmonic support and rhythmic flexibility
• Adapting arrangements to fit ensemble size and vocal range