Up-Grade! Pop Piano Grades 0-1

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and ballad styles.In compiling a volume of pop tune arrangements, there are two dangers: that they will quickly become outdated and that the harmonies will not sound anything like the originals.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

• Angels (Robbie Williams); Another One Bites The Dust (Queen); Bad Day (Daniel Powter); Beauty And The Beast (Disney); Cannonball (Damien Rice); Castles In The Air (Pam Wedgwood); Catch 22 (Pam Wedgwood); Fill My Little World (The Feeling); I Feel Good (Pam Wedgwood); JCB Song (Nizlopi); Material Girl (Madonna); Thank You For The Music (ABBA); Together Forever (Pam Wedgwood); You And I (Pam Wedgwood); You're Beautiful (James Blunt)