Whatever You Like: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures the exact cultural moment of 2009 in one accessible volume. Piano/vocal/chords arrangements let singers and pianists tackle contemporary hits across multiple genres—from Katy Perry's pop hooks to Radiohead's experimental sensibilities—all in a single rehearsal or practice session.

An energetic snapshot of 2009's radio landscape, blending arena rock anthems, pop confections, and hip-hop grooves into one collection. Each arrangement preserves enough of the original song's character to feel familiar while remaining singable and pianistically manageable.

Singers and pianists who want to learn the songs that defined 2009 or add recent pop and rock standards to their repertoire. Teachers preparing students for recitals, competitions, or informal performances will find immediate appeal in music their students already know and love.

• Study the original recordings for phrasing and rhythmic feel. Many of these songs use subtle syncopation and production effects that sheet music notation alone won't fully convey.
• Adjust keys to suit your voice or your ensemble's range. Pop arrangements often sit in keys chosen for the original artist; transposing up or down by 2-4 semitones is common practice.
• Balance vocal melody with chordal accompaniment carefully. Pop songs often rely on rhythmic accuracy in the piano part to drive the groove, so locking in the harmonic foundation matters as much as nailing the tune.
• Pay attention to chord symbols and substitutions. Contemporary pop frequently uses extended harmonies (9ths, 11ths, suspended chords) that shift the color and energy of familiar melodies.

Feature individual songs as recital pieces, build a "hits of the year" themed concert, or use selections to introduce singers to contemporary songwriting and production styles. The breadth of styles also makes this useful for studio teachers building well-rounded student performance portfolios.

• Reading and interpreting chord symbols across multiple genres
• Adapting contemporary vocal phrasing and rhythmic placement to written notation
• Transposing melodies to suitable performance keys
• Balancing text-driven melodic storytelling with rhythmic groove in popular styles