On The Cover

 

The photo of Dan Coates on the cover of this issue is courtesy of Mel Cavalier. For more information about the photographer, please visit www.melcphotography.com.

Dan Coates, perhaps the best-known popular music piano arranger in the world with thousands of arrangements to his credit, is noted for his outstanding contemporary arrangements for all skill levels. Lauded for his work by such pop luminaries as Elton John and John Williams, Dan’s influence reaches countless teachers, students, and professional performers. He has even pioneered a path for other arrangers. Dan’s popularity as a writer is easy to understand — his beautifully pianistic stylings are championed by teachers as being pedagogically sound, his arrangements fit comfortably under the hands, and his vibrant personality and deep understanding and love for many styles of music are evident in his work. In short, his arrangements sound and feel great to play! Dan has cultivated acceptance of pop music by “serious” studio teachers, has saved students who may have otherwise given up piano lessons, and has also added to the repertoire with his advanced arrangements for professional performing pianists in a broad spectrum of venues.