Rhapsody Music Lessons

Playing random songs from a very old fake book: O Sole Mio These are from a very old fake book, or a book full of lead sheets. The songs are standards, show tunes and more. I like to challenge myself by opening to a page and simply playing. You never know what you'll find in these old music books!

Random songs from and old fake book. Red Sails In The Sunset These are from a very old fake book, or a book full of lead sheets. The songs are standards, show tunes and more. I like to challenge myself by opening to a page and simply playing. You never know what you'll find in these old music books!

Random songs from an old fake book: Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho
These are from a very old fake book, or a book full of lead sheets. The songs are standards, show tunes and more. I like to challenge myself by opening to a page and simply playing. You never know what you'll find in these old music books!

Random songs from an old fake book: Smile
These are from a very old fake book, or a book full of lead sheets. The songs are standards, show tunes and more. I like to challenge myself by opening to a page and simply playing. You never know what you'll find in these old music books!

Such a good job and she's worked so hard! Love the end...reminds me of myself when I hit that ONE note I'm not happy with! 😂 You'll hear my student at the end LOL

For The Beauty Of The Earth, for Earth Day

Practicing Prelude in C by Bach during the eclipse. What a beautiful piece of music.

Theme From Musetta's Waltz (from La Boheme) can be found on page 102 of the Alfred's Adult All In One Book 2 lesson book. This one is tricky on timing, so be patient and take your time. Really count it out and you'll get it. Remember, you can do it!

Early Intermediate arrangement for one of my students who really wants to learn Golden Hour. Nine pages, (I don't have it memorized) Found this on Musicnotes. Very doable arrangement for early intermediate students.

A beautiful love song from La La Land by Justin Hurwitz. I came across it and remembered a student from years ago learning it. It's so pretty.

If I Ruled The World (From Pickwick) With Lyrics

This is such a beautiful song with an equally beautiful message. I've included the lyrics below. My mother used to love this song, and when I came across it in a very old fake book, I couldn't help but play it. I think of her when I hear this. I think of the world when I play it and contemplate how beautiful the lyrics truly are. "...and we'd sing of the joy every morning would bring."

If I ruled the world
Every day would be the first day of spring
Every heart would have a new song to sing
And we'd sing of the joy every morning would bring

If I ruled the world
Every man would be as free as a bird
Every voice would be a voice to be heard
Take my word we would treasure each day that occurred

My world would be a beautiful place
Where we would weave such wonderful dreams
My world would wear a smile on its face
Like the man in the moon has when the moon beams

If I ruled the world
Every man would say the world was his friend
There'd be happiness that no man could end
No my friend, not if I ruled the world
Every head would be held up high
There'd be sunshine in everyone's sky
If the day ever dawned when I ruled the world

Written by: CYRIL ORNADEL, LESLIE BRICUSSE
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Jesus Lord To Me can be found in the Gospel's Greatest Fake Book on Page 141. A couple of people asked if I knew this, and I do. This is out of a fake book which means the bass clef is left out and you're playing from a melody line (treble clef) and chord symbols.

I just got a new book filled with classics like this one, A Whiter Shade Of Pale. I'm working on them for my students, and for me!
I remember so many of these songs and they're fun to play. Here's a bit about the book they're in, for easy piano, but keep in mind I think many of the arrangements (overall) are more for an intermediate player. However, beginner students who can read music will be able to play these. The left hand is simplified and the melodies are fairly easy to play, too. There are also chord symbols for those who prefer using a chord approach. Whatever way you play, I think you'll enjoy playing the songs in this book if you're into some classic rock from the 50's through the 80's!
Alfred's Easy Piano Songs -- Classic Rock: 50 Hits of the '60s, '70s & '80s
"For beginning musicians, Alfred's Easy series is the fast track to developing a repertoire of well-known and fun-to-play songs, while more experienced players will find an excellent resource of favorite songs."

Hey There Delilah can be found on page 74 of Alfred's Pop & Rock Hits, Easy Piano book. They say easy piano, but I'm more inclined to call it intermediate. Take your time with this and as you practice, it will get easier. Remember, you can do it!
About the book: This extensive collection of popular sheet music guarantees unlimited enjoyment! 34 of today's hottest hits are made easy to play while still keeping their original sound. Arrangements by internationally acclaimed Dan Coates. Complete lyrics are included; and the vocal melody is incorporated into each piano part, so the arrangements sound great either as piano solos or for singing along. Titles: 21 Guns (Green Day) * All-American Girl (Carrie Underwood) * Baby (Justin Bieber) * The Big Bang Theory (Main Title Theme) * Billionaire (Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars) * Born to Be Somebody (Justin Bieber) * Boyfriend (Justin Bieber) * California Gurls (Katy Perry) * Cough Syrup (Young the Giant) * Don't Stop Believin' (from Rock of Ages) * Everybody Talks (Neon Trees) * Firework (Katy Perry) * Forget You (Cee Lo Green) * Glad You Came (The Wanted) * Gr***de (Bruno Mars) * Haven't Met You Yet (Michael Bublé) * Hey There Delilah (Plain White T's) * If I Die Young (The Band Perry) * Jar of Hearts (Christina Perri) * Just the Way You Are (Amazing) (Bruno Mars) * Let Me Be Your Star (from SMASH) * Love You Like a Love Song (Selena Gomez & The Scene) * Need You Now (Lady Antebellum) * Not Like the Movies (Katy Perry) * Not Over You (Gavin DeGraw) * The Only Exception (Paramore) * Payphone (Maroon 5) * Secondhand White Baby Grand (from SMASH) * The Story (Brandi Carlile) * Tongue Tied (Grouplove) * We Are Young (fun.) * Wide Awake (Katy Perry).

Wishing Well can be found on page 34 of the Alfred's All In One Book One. These books are great as they combine lesson pieces and songs with music theory worksheets. This helps students gain a solid music theory education all in one book, hence the name!
About the book: The All-in-One Course for Children" takes all of the pages from "Alfred's Basic Piano Library," Lesson Books 1A and 1B, plus selected pages from Theory, Recital, and Fun Solo Books and combines them into part of a sequential five-book series. At the completion of Book 5, the student will be ready to continue into Level 3 of "Alfred's Basic Piano Library"
or "Alfred's Premier Piano Course." This course is most effective when used under the direction of a piano teacher or experienced musician."

Here's an affiliate/paid link where you can find the book: https://amzn.to/3HvHvyM

The Riddle Song, (I Gave My Love A Cherry), can be found on page 80 of I Used To Play Piano, by Alfred's Publishing. This is a pretty song many may recognize. Play it in a flowing style and remember, you can do it!
About the book: Used to Play Piano is an innovative approach for helping adults resume piano study. This 152-page book is divided into 11 progressive, well-rounded units, each containing diverse styles ranging from classical arrangements to jazz, boogie, blues, and ragtime to traditional favorites and popular styles. Using strategic review sections, adults can progress quickly to the unit that best matches their ability level. The comb binding creates a lay-flat book that is perfect for study and performance.
Here's an affiliate/paid link where you can find the book: https://amzn.to/41PxrKl