The Wizard of Oz: Piano Book

Coates's big note arrangement captures the melodic richness of Harold Arlen's unforgettable score without overwhelming early intermediate pianists. The 50th anniversary cover art transforms this into a keepsake that students actually want to display, and the song selection spans the full emotional range of the film, from playful march rhythms to the tender vulnerability of "Over the Rainbow."

These arrangements capture the whimsy, heart, and adventure of a timeless film. You'll move between the rollicking energy of the Munchkinland sequences, the introspection of the searching characters, and the soaring hope of "Over the Rainbow," all within one cohesive collection that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

This collection serves pianists in the early intermediate to intermediate stages who are ready to play recognizable melodies with some harmonic complexity. It appeals equally to students exploring popular music alongside classical studies and to recreational pianists who want to reconnect with beloved film music.

• Pay attention to the original film tempo for each piece; "We're Off to See the Wizard" should bounce with forward motion, while "Over the Rainbow" needs space to breathe.
• Use the left-hand bass notes to establish the harmonic foundation, especially in the march-style arrangements, letting them anchor the melody rather than compete with it.
• Experiment with dynamics to shape each phrase; "If I Only Had a Brain" works best when the character's personality comes through in how you voice the humor.
• Reference a recording of the original film arrangements to hear how orchestration balances melody and accompaniment, then translate those colors into your pedal choices.

Program selections from this folio on a recital that includes classical repertoire to show students how film music uses the same harmonic and melodic principles they're studying in their core studies. Individual pieces work well as recital openers or closers; "Over the Rainbow" is particularly effective as a concert finale or as a bridge piece between different stylistic sections of a program.

• Reading big note notation with standard rhythmic values
• Playing melody-driven arrangements with accompanying left-hand patterns
• Understanding film score structure and phrase architecture
• Interpreting character and mood through dynamic shaping and tempo
• Coordinating both hands in complementary textures rather than unison patterns