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Songbook Review: Home
Michele McLaughlin
Cover image of the songbook Home by Michele McLaughlin
Home
Michele McLaughlin
2021 / Michele McLaughlin™
86 pages / 13 songs
Review by Kathy Parsons
Home is the companion sheet music book for Michele McLaughlin's 2021 solo piano album by the same name. All twelve of the pieces from the album are included, plus a second version of "This Beautiful Life." The sheet music was transcribed by John Zechiel and proof-read by me to ensure that it matches the recording note-for-note. The overall feeling of this collection is joy and optimism; a celebration of finding the perfect house and making it a dream home full of promise and love. Pianists at an upper-intermediate to early-advanced playing level should have no trouble mastering these pieces, half of which are in the key of C.

The duet version of "This Beautiful Life" is likely the most difficult piece, due at least in part, to its quick tempo and eighteen pages, but it is a much closer match to the recording than the solo version, which is simplified. However, the "primo" part of the duet is only one hand and the "secondo" part is fairly repetitive, so that makes it easier.

The songbook itself is beautifully laid-out and the scores are well-spaced and easy to read. The front and back covers are enlargements of the beautiful album artwork by Matt Strieby of New Leaf Design, and the book includes Michele's biography. It's a fun book to play through since the mood is mostly light-hearted and joyful. Michele's music is very easy to relate to, and I'm sure pianists at any age would enjoy working on these pieces. I was a piano teacher for 40 years, so when proof-reading sheet music, clarity and detail are always very important, and I can easily recommend this book to teachers looking for contemporary music for their students.

The songbook and sheet music are available as a spiral-bound printed book, a PDF download, and as individual pieces.

The song titles, the key(s) they are in, and the number of pages are:

A New Dream - Key of A minor / C major (0 sharps or flats) - 6 pages
Home - Key of C - 5 pages
In Perfect Harmony - Key of C minor (3 flats) - 5 pages
Joyful Mornings - Key of G (1 sharp) - 5 pages
Welcome - Key of D minor (1 flat) - 5 pages
Taking Root - Key of C minor/ Eb major (3 flats) - 4 pages
Hidden Acre - Key of C - 5 pages
If These Walls Could Talk - Key of G minor / Bb major (2 flats) - 7 pages
Together Again - Key of C - 5 pages
Anticipation - Key of C - 5 pages
Contentment - Key of F (1 flat) - 3 pages
This Beautiful Life (duet version) - Key of C - 18 pages
This Beautiful Life (solo version) - Key of C - 11 pages

November 15, 2021
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