The Wizard of Oz: Movie Selections: Piano/Vocal/Chords Book

These songs have proven their staying power across generations because Arlen understood something fundamental: a great tune doesn't need to be simple, and entertainment doesn't mean sacrificing craft. Your students will encounter some of the most intelligent melodic writing in American songwriting, all wrapped in material they already love. The variety here spans character songs, production numbers, and quiet ballads, giving you flexible options for mixed-ability casts and ensembles.

Opening this book is stepping into Emerald City itself. The melodies gleam with hope and humor; the harmonies shift between straightforward and surprisingly sophisticated, mirroring the emotional journey of the film. Whether you're in Dorothy's yearning vulnerability or the Scarecrow's manic energy, Arlen's music pulls you completely into character.

This collection works for pianists learning to comp and vocalists building interpretive range, from high school music programs staging full productions to college-level jazz singers and music theater students. It's equally valuable for private voice teachers looking for repertoire that combines cultural significance with genuine musical substance.

• Study the harmonic movement in "Over the Rainbow" carefully before rehearsals begin. The chromatic passing chords aren't ornamental; they're essential to the song's emotional arc, and acknowledging them helps singers understand phrasing choices.
• Balance the novelty rhythms in "We're Off to See the Wizard" with clear diction. The march-like energy is irresistible, but rhythmic clarity protects the lyrical content from disappearing.
• Let the character songs breathe individually. "If I Only Had a Brain" and "If I Were King of the Forest" have distinct personalities that strengthen when each is given its own rehearsal focus and space.
• Use the vocal arrangements as teaching tools for jazz voicings and secondary dominants. Arlen's comping suggestions are sophisticated enough to expand pianists' harmonic vocabulary.

Beyond a full production, extract individual numbers for spring or holiday concerts: "Over the Rainbow" pairs beautifully with art song programming, while the comedic numbers energize family-friendly events. You might also build a jazz standards unit around these songs, using them to demonstrate how film songwriting shaped the American Songbook.

• Interpreting jazz voicings and secondary dominant chords in an applied context
• Matching vocal interpretation to character development across contrasting song styles
• Reading and comping from chord symbols with appropriate jazz piano vocabulary
• Sustaining melodic legibility through harmonically complex passages
• Coordinating accompaniment flexibility with vocal phrasing and emotional intent