Simply Rock 80s: Piano Book

These 80s hits arrive in arrangements that honor what made the originals irresistible without overcomplicating the piano writing. The fingering, dynamics, and articulation markings are already in place, which means your students spend less time hunting for technical solutions and more time actually performing these songs they already love.

You're transported into the confidence and swagger of 1980s rock and pop music. These arrangements capture the infectious hooks, soaring choruses, and emotional depth of the originals while keeping the piano writing accessible and rewarding.

Early intermediate pianists (typically late elementary through middle school levels) who want to play recognizable rock songs from one of pop music's defining eras. This collection works beautifully for students motivated by familiar music and ready to explore repertoire beyond traditional educational piano literature.

• Let the groove breathe by keeping the tempo steady and slightly spacious; these songs thrive on rhythmic confidence rather than rushing.
• Shape the dynamics with intention around the marked articulations, which often highlight the signature hooks from the original recordings.
• Use the large print to your advantage in performance settings by positioning the book where you can glance down without losing your place or musical focus.
• Experiment with pedal choice in the sustained chords and ballad passages to create texture without muddying the articulate sections.

Build a student recital or informal performance around these titles, either as solo pieces or grouped by mood and style. The collection also serves as a bridge between method books and contemporary piano literature, perfect for students who need engaging repertoire to sustain their practice motivation.

• Interpreting articulation and phrasing marks in an accessible popular music context
• Reading and executing dynamic contrasts that reflect the original recordings
• Managing steady tempo and rhythmic accuracy across various song structures
• Developing pedal control in both rhythmic and sustaining passages
• Building confidence with recognizable, ear-friendly melodies and progressions