Simply Broadway: Piano Book

Coates has chosen a stellar selection of Broadway standards that genuinely work at the Easy Piano level, not watered-down versions of themselves. The large print and meticulous notation (phrase markings, articulations, fingering, pedaling, dynamics) give students a roadmap for interpretation without overwhelming the page, making these arrangements both playable and musically rewarding.

Opening this book brings the glamour and energy of Broadway into the practice room. Each arrangement captures the character of its source song, whether that's the sultry confidence of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," the infectious drive of "Ease On Down the Road," or the tender intimacy of "Not While I'm Around." Students will recognize these melodies and feel the satisfaction of playing music they actually know.

Piano students of any age working at the Easy Piano level will find music that feels grown-up and rewarding without impossible technical demands. Teachers looking for recital material that balances accessibility with genuine musicality will appreciate that these arrangements don't compromise the integrity of beloved songs.

• Pay close attention to the pedaling suggestions. Coates marks them intentionally to create resonance and blend; changing the pedal precisely on his markings matters more at this level than rushing the technique itself.
• Work through the phrase markings as musical punctuation, not just visual guides. They show where to breathe and shape the line, transforming note-reading into storytelling.
• Let the dynamics guide your touch quality. Easy arrangements often skip this detail, but here the marked dynamics tell you when to be intimate versus bright, matching the theatrical character of each song.
• Use fingering as written; Coates designed each suggestion to keep your hand in efficient positions for the arrangement's specific voice leading and jumps.

Build a recital program where students perform one or two selections from this collection alongside classical and contemporary pieces; the theatrical character and recognizable melodies offer a refreshing contrast. The 80-page collection also works well for assigning pieces throughout the year, giving students consistent access to quality Broadway material at the right level for their development.

• Sight-reading melodies with consistent phrasing and articulation markings
• Pedal technique coordinated with harmonic changes
• Touch control across a range of dynamic markings
• Interpretation of theatrical character and musical intent from notation cues
• Confidence with recognizable, culturally relevant melody