Simply Movies: Piano Book

Coates has selected 20 genuinely iconic film moments—from James Bond to Star Wars to Casablanca—and arranged them so that intermediate pianists can actually play them without simplification that erases what makes them memorable. The fingering, dynamics, and phrase markings guide students toward musicality rather than just getting through the notes, and the large print format respects both young learners and adult students returning to piano.

Playing these arrangements connects you to cinema's most emotionally resonant moments. Whether it's the soaring hope of Superman's theme, the dreamy mystery of In Dreams, or the playful energy of Pink Panther, each piece captures the feeling that made the film memorable.

This book works for pianists in their first two years of study who are ready to play complete, recognizable pieces. It's equally valuable for adult learners rediscovering piano and for young students who respond to familiar, beloved music rather than abstract exercises.

• Follow the phrase markings closely; they're designed to help you shape long melodic lines the way a film score demands, creating natural breathing points even in fast passages.
• Pay attention to the dynamic changes and articulations. These details are what transform a melody into the recognizable theme your audience knows from the screen.
• Use the fingering suggestions as written, especially in keys or hand positions that might feel awkward at first; they're planned to make transitions smooth and efficient.
• Listen to recordings of the original film versions while you practice. Hearing the orchestral context helps you understand where tempo flexibility or rubato serves the music, and where keeping steady time matters most.

These pieces shine in informal recitals, especially those organized by theme (a night of animated films, romantic comedies, action classics). They also work well as shorter encore pieces between more formal repertoire, or as year-round motivation for students working through intermediate technique.

• Legato melody playing with clear phrasing
• Reading and interpreting dynamic and articulation markings
• Playing in multiple keys and hand positions
• Understanding musical form through recognizable themes
• Balancing melody and accompaniment texture