Some students like Chopin, some like Debussy, some like Kats-Chernin and some like Taylor Swift-y (apologies for the awful attempt at rhyme).Teaching pop music to piano students brings a fresh burst of energy into lessons. It’s all about taking the songs they vibe with and turning them into something they can own on the keys. It makes learning feel less like practice and more like playing their own soundtrack. By tapping into what’s trending, we’re not just teaching piano—we’re turning lessons into something dynamic and relatable.
Epic Pop and Rock Medleys for Piano Duet by Kevin Olson is a dynamic collection that brings together seven medleys of iconic pop and rock songs, arranged for one piano, four hands. Designed for intermediate to early advanced pianists, this collection features seven epic medleys of music by The Beatles, Bruno Mars, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Nirvana, Queen, and Taylor Swift. Songs like Bohemian Rhapsody, Thriller, Smells Like Teen Spirit, and Uptown Funk are expertly woven into duets that are both challenging and exciting, offering pianists a chance to showcase their skills in a fun and collaborative way.
The book is perfect for recitals, as it pairs nostalgic classics with contemporary pop, allowing performers to engage a wide audience. Whether you’re in the mood for the soulful strains of Rocket Man or the upbeat rhythm of Shake It Off, this collection covers a broad spectrum of styles while staying true to the essence of each song.
Simple Pop Melodies is aimed at beginner pianists who want to play popular tunes. As part of the Simple Songs series – the charts never feature more than two accidentals in the key signature, with most featuring one or none. One of the most exciting parts of this book is that it is dense – with 50 songs wrapped up in one cover, this is a weighty book. Mostly aimed at a Grade One, some bordering on Grade Two level.
Piano Songs for the Very Beginner is an excellent resource for beginners in their first few months of piano learning who you need to hook with pop tunes. It features 30 popular songs in pre-staff notation, including Anti-Hero, Baby Shark and What Was I Made For.
Each arrangement includes letter names inside the notes, simple rhythms, and minimal hand movement, which is ideal for young beginners. Additionally, there are no page turns, making it easy to follow along. The book also comes with online audio accompaniments that can be streamed or downloaded, which adds an interactive layer to the learning process.
Peaceful Pop Piano Solos is a beautiful collection of 30 popular songs arranged for advanced solo piano. The book includes hits such as “All of Me,” “Despacito,” “Chasing Cars,” and “Fields of Gold,” among others, all arranged into charts filled with beautiful arpeggiotic runs and decorations.
The Peaceful Piano Solos collection is very popular with pianists who need show pieces in their repertoire. Perfect for entertainment gigs, recital pieces, and extra lists in higher AMEB Grades.
