The Wizard of Oz: 70th Anniversary Deluxe Songbook: Piano Book

Dan Coates' big note arrangement opens this timeless score to pianists still building hand independence and reading skills, while the inclusion of chord symbols makes it invaluable for accompanying singers or experimenting with jazz voicings. The production photos, composer biographies, and historical essay transform what could be a simple songbook into a complete cultural resource that teaches music history alongside technique. A 60-page collection of these particular songs gives students a coherent narrative arc through the film while providing enough material for a full recital or a semester of sight-reading practice.

These songs carry the wonder of discovery, the humor of unexpected moments, and the heart of characters yearning for something beyond themselves. The big note format lets you focus on the emotional shape of each melody rather than struggling with the page, so you can inhabit Dorothy's hope, the Scarecrow's vulnerability, and the Tin Man's longing.

This arrangement suits pianists in grades 2-4 who have solid reading skills and hand independence but aren't yet ready for standard notation complexity. Accompanists, music teachers preparing students for recitals or performances, and adult learners reconnecting with piano will find the large print, fingerings, and familiar melodies both accessible and genuinely rewarding to play.

• Study the film's original orchestrations or listen to professional recordings before you play; hearing the vocal lines and instrumental colors will inform your phrasing, tempo choices, and how you voice the chords.
• Use the chord symbols to experiment with different comping styles, from straight rhythmic accompaniment to walking patterns, so each song can serve different purposes in your playing.
• Pay attention to the lyrical content and emotional arc of each song; even in big note format, these melodies demand storytelling, not just note-reading.

Build a half-recital or a full program around these 14 songs, pairing them with similar-era American songbook standards for students ready to explore the Great American Songbook in earnest. Supplement your students' accompaniment skills by assigning one or two songs per week, using the chord symbols to develop improvisation and reharmonization alongside straight performance. The historical essay and photos make this an excellent resource for music history units exploring film scoring and twentieth-century composition.

• Reading and executing big note notation with consistent accuracy
• Hand independence and balanced volume between melody and accompaniment
• Chord symbol interpretation and basic comping patterns
• Phrasing and storytelling within a melodic line
• Recognizing and playing common harmonic progressions from the Great American Songbook