Up-Grade! Pop Piano Grades 0-1 - Softcover

I have long been a fan of Pam Wedgwood's Up-Grade books, as they appeal to both teachers (pianistic writing) and pupils (popular genres). This is a new addition to the series and includes ten stylish and convincing arrangements by Wedgwood of pop songs ranging from Queen's Another One Bites the Dust to Cannonball, sung by Damien Rice, and the irritating but hugely popular You're Beautiful by James Blunt. There are also five of Wedgwood's own compositions written to her usual high standards in rock, pop and ballad styles. In compiling a volume of pop tune arrangements, there are two dangers: that they will quickly become outdated and that the harmonies will not sound anything like the originals. Wedgwood avoids this by including such classics as Angels (Robbie Williams) and Material Girl (Madonna), as well as Disney's Beauty and the Beast and ABBA's Thank you for the Music, and using true to the original harmonies for each one. This compilation will appeal to all ages but will be especially useful for teenage beginners who will appreciate the street cred these beautifully written and arranged pieces will give them. Music Teacher Magazine, October 2008

Up-Grade! Pop Piano Grades 0-1 is part of Pam Wedgwood's hugely successful Up-Grade! Series, allowing pianists of all ages repertoire to bridge the gap between grades. Up-Grade! Pop offer's Pam's own take on songs such as Robbie Williams' Angels, Queen's Another One Bites The Dust and James Blunt's You're Beautiful as well as her own specially composed pieces. Guaranteed to breathe new life into your piano playing, the varied pieces in this collection are designed to ease you gently on to the next grade. There are several other spin-offs to the Up-Grade! series for piano, including jazz and Christmas. **Contains recommended songs for Trinity Rock & Pop Exams. See songlist below.