Time After Time: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures a generation of songwriting at its peak, with melodies that linger and chord progressions that feel both accessible and satisfying to play. Every title here earned its chart position through genuine musicality, making this an ideal resource for pianists and guitarists who want to build repertoire from songs their students actually recognize and love. The sheer breadth means you'll find something for every skill level and mood within a single book.

Opening this book is like stepping into a time capsule of pure pop and rock energy. You'll encounter everything from soaring power ballads ('The Greatest Love of All') to driving rock anthems ('Eye of the Tiger') to intimate moments ('Time After Time'), all arranged with the clarity needed to shine in a solo performance or ensemble setting. The '80s aesthetic runs through every page: bright, confident, and unafraid of big emotions.

Pianists and keyboardists who want contemporary repertoire packed with hit songs, as well as singers preparing for recitals, auditions, or casual performances with a backing musician. Guitar players will find standard chord symbols throughout, making this workable for anyone accompanying from these charts.

• Study the chord symbols carefully before diving into the vocal melody; many of these arrangements rely on simple but effective harmonic movement that anchors the arrangement.
• Pay attention to the rhythmic pocket of each song. '80s production emphasized groove and syncopation, so locking into the pulse matters as much as hitting the right notes.
• Adjust your comping (chord voicing and rhythm) based on whether you're accompanying a singer, playing solo, or working with a guitarist. The same charts work across all three contexts with thoughtful interpretation.
• Use a light touch with the sustain pedal on slower, ballad-style tracks like 'Careless Whisper' and 'Against All Odds' to keep harmonic clarity without muddiness.

Use this as your go-to resource for pop and rock solo repertoire auditions, student recitals, or casual concert programming that demands audience recognition and enthusiasm. These songs also work beautifully in themed concerts celebrating a specific decade or exploring the evolution of rock and pop. Many titles pair well with contemporary classical or theater repertoire for students seeking stylistic variety in a single recital.

• Reading and interpreting chord symbols across multiple voicings and registers
• Balancing a singer's melody with accompaniment while maintaining rhythmic clarity
• Identifying and playing in '80s-era rhythmic and harmonic styles (syncopation, suspended chords, pop grooves)
• Transposing arrangements to suit a vocalist's range and comfort
• Adapting single arrangements to work across piano, keyboard, and guitar contexts