This post is part of my Quick Takes series - short, focused reviews that highlight key publications for teachers and players.
Introduction
I knew without opening the book that Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano would be a big hit and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Included in this new volume from Hal Leonard, are arrangements of 25 Disney favourites, five for each of Grades 1-5.
Each piece has been arranged to suit its respective grade and the five graded sections are preceded by a selection of practical exercises designed to develop and reinforce the skills needed to master the songs which follow.
So with all that in mind, is there much more to say about this book?
Key Impressions
I think it’s fair to say there’s something for everyone in Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano. From old favourites such as ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin and ‘Be Our Guest’ from Beauty and the Beast, to more recent songs such as ‘True Love’s Kiss’ from Enchanted and ‘I See the Light’ from Tangled, there is a broad selection on offer - even if some people will inevitably lament their favourite isn’t included!
Nowhere in the book could I find who had arranged the songs, but Andrew Eales clearly has the inside info that they are by Christopher Hussey. The arrangements are excellent, and with many of the songs so well-known, this was no easy task. They all retain, incredibly effectively, the essence of the originals, and to me, and I’m sure others, this such an important aspect of creating accessible arrangements.
Inevitably, the arrangements get longer and more complex as the book progresses through the grades, and with that, the accompanying exercises become more difficult.
I confess, I’m clearly too old to know all the songs included here, but with the exception of ‘Surface Pressure’ and ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ from Encanto, ‘Speechless’ from the 2019 version of Aladdin, and ‘Trip a Little Light Fantastic from Mary Poppins Returns, they were all familiar.
Verdict
With Mickey Mouse adorning the distinctive purple cover of the book, Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano offers an excellent selection of well-known - and not quite as well-known - arrangements. The exercises are a bonus. The book will justifiably appeal to both children and adults alike.
Some might say that at £24.99, this book comes with a hefty price tag, but at less than £1 a piece - and given the inevitable copyright compliance - the book offers excellent value for money.
This is an excellent collection with 25 superb, high quality arrangements, and one which I know will be hugely popular with my own students. I would have no hesitation in recommending Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano unreservedly.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano, was published in 2026 by Hal Leonard, ISBN 9798350165630, RRP £24.99.
I was sent a review copy of this book free of charge; however, this review is my honest opinion as a teacher. You can find my Reviews Policy here.
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Star ratings reflect my personal opinion based on usefulness, creativity, presentation, and appeal for teachers and players. I only review publications I can genuinely recommend (3 stars and above):
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Worth exploring - A solid and dependable publication with moments of interest.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recommended - Thoughtful and well-presented; many teachers and players will enjoy using it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended - Beautifully written, inspiring, and one I’ll return to often.
I knew without opening the book that Disney: Graded Pieces for Piano would be a big hit and it certainly didn’t disappoint!