Chicago emerged from the late 1960s as one of rock music's most sophisticated ensembles, blending horn section arrangements with rock instrumentation in ways that few bands attempted. Their catalog spans decades of radio hits, film soundtracks, and concert staples that remain central to popular music repertoire.
Why we love this
"Beginnings" sits in that rare territory where accessibility meets genuine harmonic interest. The song's straightforward melody pairs beautifully with jazz-inflected chord changes, making it approachable for developing musicians while offering enough sophistication to hold an audience's attention.
What to expect
Warm and reflective, with a gentle momentum that feels both contemplative and gently propulsive. The interplay between melody and harmony creates an intimate quality even at full volume, inviting listeners into a moment of quiet recognition.
Who it's for
Pianists and guitarists exploring contemporary repertoire, vocalists building jazz-influenced pop arrangements, and ensemble directors seeking material that bridges rock, pop, and jazz idioms for educational performances.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the vocal line clearly against the keyboard foundation; the guitar and piano work best when one takes the foreground while the other provides harmonic support rather than competing for space.
Shape the phrasing through the sustained notes to avoid a mechanical, metronomic feel; breathe where the original recording breathes.
Experiment with the intensity of the guitar accompaniment depending on your ensemble size. In smaller settings, it can carry more of the rhythmic energy.
How to use it
This works beautifully as a vocal feature in a jazz or popular music concert, particularly in a set that showcases how rock and jazz vocabularies inform each other. It also serves as an excellent model for students learning to arrange pop standards with sophistication.
Skills your students will build
Comping with jazz-influenced harmonic progressions
Singing over non-traditional song structures
Voice and guitar coordination in ensemble contexts
Interpreting sustains and phrasing in contemporary popular music
Reading and realizing lead sheet symbols beyond standard pop voicings
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