As Time Goes By Sheet Music Preview

As Time Goes By: Accordion

As performed by Johnny Nash / As performed by Nilsson

Item: 35-DS00547578

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 3
SKU: 35-DS00547578

More about this title

About the Artist: Johnny Nash

Johnny Nash became a household name in 1972 with 'I Can See Clearly Now,' a crossover hit that showcased his ability to blend reggae rhythms with pop sensibility. His smooth vocal delivery and knack for catchy melodies made him a fixture on both R&B and pop radio throughout the 1970s, earning him recognition as a bridge between genres during an era of musical experimentation.

Nash's influence extends beyond his chart success. He helped introduce reggae influences to mainstream American audiences before that sound became ubiquitous, and his songwriting demonstrates a gift for memorable hooks and accessible chord progressions. For educators, his catalog offers accessible yet musically sophisticated material that resonates with students across multiple genre backgrounds.

Why we love this

This arrangement captures the sophisticated warmth that made the original a standard, while the accordion brings an unexpected intimacy to a song more commonly heard in jazz piano or vocal interpretations. The three-page length keeps it manageable for developing players while preserving the harmonic elegance that makes this tune endure across decades and instrumental contexts.

What to expect

Nostalgic yet never dated, this arrangement evokes the unhurried elegance of a dimly lit room where time genuinely does slip away. The accordion's voice carries both melancholy and warmth, transforming a well-known melody into something that feels freshly intimate.

Who it's for

Accordion players comfortable with jazz voicings and comfortable interpreting a melodic line with harmonic sophistication. This works equally well for players seeking accessible popular standards or for those building a repertoire of songs suitable for small ensemble performance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Pay close attention to the rhythmic swing of the accompaniment; the jazzy feel depends on relaxed, behind-the-beat phrasing rather than metronomic precision.
  • Shape the main melody with subtle dynamic swells at phrase endings to create the vocal quality that defines this standard.
  • Listen to multiple versions before you play to internalize how other musicians approach the harmonic changes and tempo fluctuations.

How to use it

Consider pairing this with other standards in a cabaret or coffeehouse setting where the accordion can anchor a mixed ensemble. It also makes an excellent encore piece or introduction to jazz standards for students exploring beyond classical accordion repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Interpreting jazz swing rhythm and phrasing
  • Reading chord changes with harmonic awareness
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment textures on accordion
  • Adapting classical technique to popular and jazz styles

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