Almost There (from Disney's The Princess and the Frog): E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures the infectious optimism and jazz-inflected harmonies of Newman's original while staying well within reach for intermediate pianists. The E-Z Play format strips away unnecessary complexity without sacrificing the song's character, making it an excellent choice for students eager to play music they actually hear and love. It's the kind of piece that reminds young musicians why they started playing in the first place.

Warm and encouraging, with just enough harmonic color to keep things interesting. The piece radiates the optimistic energy of its source material while maintaining a groovy, conversational intimacy that feels natural under the hands.

Intermediate pianists who want to expand beyond classical repertoire and connect with contemporary film music will find this arrangement engaging and manageable. It works equally well for students building pop and jazz literacy or for teachers seeking accessible Disney material that doesn't condescend to the player.

• Balance the syncopated rhythms with a steady pulse; the laid-back swing of this arrangement relies on confident timing rather than rushing through the rhythmic figures.
• Lean into the blues-inflected chords, particularly where Newman's harmonic language bends away from predictable progressions. Let those moments breathe.
• Pay attention to the dynamic arc across the full five pages. This song builds momentum, so track where the energy naturally peaks and shape your phrasing accordingly.
• Listen to the original recording and notice Newman's approach to phrasing and syncopation. Your touch at the keyboard should reflect that conversational, unhurried quality.

This works beautifully in a "Music from Film" concert or as part of a Disney retrospective that celebrates the studio's collaborations with serious songwriters. It also serves well as an engaging assignment for students working through popular and film music repertoire during a unit on contemporary composition.

• Reading and performing syncopated rhythms in a jazz-influenced style
• Interpreting blues-based and extended harmonic progressions
• Balancing melody with supportive accompaniment figures
• Stylistically appropriate phrasing and dynamics across a longer form