Awake: E-Z Play Today

Groban's melodies sit naturally under the hands, and this arrangement respects the lyrical quality that defines his work. Students encounter a piece that rewards legato playing and dynamic nuance without demanding technical pyrotechnics, making it ideal for intermediate pianists who are learning to shape phrases with intention.

Gentle and introspective, with an unhurried quality that invites reflection. The piece carries an almost hymn-like simplicity beneath its contemporary context, making space for personal expression rather than demanding technical display.

This arrangement suits intermediate pianists with some facility in legato playing and chord-reading. It also works well for singers who want a straightforward, supportive accompaniment to develop their own interpretation of the song.

• Shape the melody line as though singing it; allow rubato in the vocal phrases to breathe naturally rather than locking rigidly to the beat.
• Balance the accompaniment below the right-hand melody so the ear follows the story of the song rather than getting caught in harmonic movement.
• Pay attention to the arch of each phrase, bringing energy toward the structural peaks and releasing into the valleys for contrast.
• Experiment with pedal changes at phrase boundaries to maintain clarity while sustaining the harmonic wash that supports the vocal line.

Pair this with other contemporary vocal arrangements for a pops or crossover concert that appeals to families and casual listeners. It also serves well as a solo piano interlude in a longer program, offering your audience a moment of stillness.

• Legato pedaling across chord changes
• Balancing melody against accompaniment texture
• Phrasing and rubato in contemporary vocal writing
• Dynamic shaping across longer melodic arcs
• Sight-reading lead sheet notation