Best 42nd Street Sheet Music for Piano, Vocal, and More
Finding the right sheet music for 42nd Street helps performers capture the show’s classic Broadway energy. The following selections include vocal-focused arrangements, easy piano versions, and broad Broadway compilations that suit beginners to intermediate players. Each option is chosen for accessibility, quality, and usefulness for performances or practice.
| Product | Brand |
|---|---|
| 42nd Street: Vocal Selections | Hal Leonard |
| 42nd Street: Broadway’s Best | Alfred Music |
| Hit Songs – Super Easy Songbook | Hal Leonard |
| Best Songs Ever Super Easy Piano Songbook | Hal Leonard |
| Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002 | Hal Leonard |
Summary: The chosen products cover vocal and piano arrangements, including a dedicated 42nd Street selection, broad Broadway songbooks for easy repertoire, and classic pop titles suitable for practice and performance. Use the table above to compare focus areas, from vocal-led Broadway selections to beginner-friendly piano arrangements and complete songbooks.
42nd Street: Vocal Selections
Format: Book. Version: Piano/Vocal/Chords. Instrument: Piano/Vocal/Chords. This collection provides vocal lines alongside piano and chord diagrams, making it suitable for singers who accompany themselves or collaborate with a pianist. The inclusion of chords supports guitar or simplified keyboard arrangements and offers a broad range of songs from the show. The layout is designed for performance-ready scores with clear vocal cues and lyric alignment, aiding rehearsal and stage-ready execution.
42nd Street: Broadway’s Best
Format: Book. Version: Easy Piano. Instrument: Piano. This edition focuses on easy piano arrangements of Broadway tunes, including selections from 42nd Street. It is designed for beginners seeking approachable, lyric-integrated piano parts. The simplified arrangements help learners build confidence while still delivering a show-tune vibe suitable for recitals, classroom use, or informal performances.
Hit Songs – Super Easy Songbook
Pages: 128. Instrumentation: Piano. This collection includes 60 pop and rock tunes with right-hand melodies, letter note names, and chord diagrams. It’s especially helpful for beginners who want recognizable hits to practice reading music and playing through simple arrangements. While not exclusive to Broadway, the book offers a broad repertoire that reinforces rhythm, melody, and chord transitions in a manageable format.
Best Songs Ever Super Easy Piano Songbook
Pages: 122. Instrumentation: Piano. This easy piano songbook features a curated collection of classic favorites with simple arrangements suitable for beginners and casual players. The emphasis on approachable pieces makes it a practical choice for practice sessions, music clubs, and family sing-alongs, while still offering engaging melodies and lyrics to sing along with the accompaniment.
Elton John Greatest Hits 1970-2002
Format: P/V/G. Pages: 176. Instrumentation: Piano/Vocal/Guitar. This comprehensive collection includes many classic Elton John songs with vocal melodies, guitar chords, and piano arrangements. It offers a long-span repertoire for performers who want pop-rock Broadway-adjacent material that complements vocal and piano practice. The arrangement set supports ensemble play and solo performance alike, with lyric-aligned scores and chord symbols for flexible interpretation.
Sesame Street – Piano Vocal Guitar Songbook
P/V/G. Pages: 144. Instrumentation: Piano/Vocal/Guitar. While rooted in children’s television themes, this collection provides approachable arrangements that can aid beginners in coordinating melody, harmony, and rhythm across three instruments. It’s useful for basic accompaniment practice and collaborative playing in family or classroom settings, expanding repertoire with friendly, familiar tunes.
The Very Best of Electric Light Orchestra
P/V/G. Pages: 112. Instrumentation: Piano/Vocal/Guitar. This songbook collects Electric Light Orchestra hits with lyrics and chords, offering a broad rock catalog for piano and vocalists. While not Broadway-specific, the collection supports range, arrangement practice, and performance versatility for singers and pianists who enjoy classic rock-adjacent material.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 42nd Street Sheet Music
When choosing sheet music for 42nd Street or Broadway-related material, consider your goals, skill level, and ensemble needs. Here are important factors:
- Arrangement Type: Vocal selections are ideal for singers accompanying themselves or collaborating with a pianist. Easy piano books help beginners build confidence without sacrificing musicality.
- Instrument Compatibility: If you primarily play piano, look for Piano/Vocal/Chords formats or Easy Piano editions. Guitarists may prefer chord-enabled sheets, and teacher-recommended method books can support structured practice.
- Song Range and Repertoire: Ensure the book includes pieces you’re excited to perform. For 42nd Street-specific material, prioritize the vocal selections or Broadway anthologies that feature show tunes in a playable arrangement.
- Layout and Clarity: Check lyric alignment, tempo markings, and clear notation. A user-friendly layout reduces practice time and helps with performance tempo consistency.
- Progression and Skill Level: Beginner-friendly books typically present simplified arrangements with straightforward rhythms. Intermediate collections may include more challenging passages and dynamic shading.
- Supplementary Materials: Some books include chord diagrams or guitar-friendly pages. If you perform with others, consider editions that provide flexibility for different instrumentations.
- Durability and Size: For frequent practice or performance, consider hardcover editions or larger print formats for easy reading on stage or in lessons.
- Availability and Licensing: Ensure the edition is current and accessible via reputable retailers. Some titles cross-collect and are available in multiple formats (print, digital).
Comparisons to help decide:
- Best for vocalists: 42nd Street: Vocal Selections offers complete vocal lines with piano accompaniment and chords for optional guitar use.
- Best for beginners: 42nd Street: Broadway’s Best and the Hit Songs Super Easy Songbook provide approachable arrangements for building confidence and technique.
- Broadway variety: Sesame Street and Electric Light Orchestra songbooks broaden repertoire beyond Broadway while still offering piano-friendly formats for practice and performance.
Usage scenarios include classroom teaching, private lessons, recital preparation, and casual practice. Selecting a mix of vocal-focused and piano-centered books helps cover both singing and instrumental development for theater repertoire.