Believe: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This folio captures exactly what makes Brickman's writing so teachable: consistent harmonic vocabulary, memorable melodic lines, and a production aesthetic that piano students actually want to emulate. The mix of pure instrumentals and vocal pieces gives pianists the chance to accompany singers or perform striking solo arrangements, both of which develop genuine musicianship rather than merely showcasing technique.

These pieces inhabit a space between reflection and gentle uplift. Melodies emerge with clarity over harmonies that feel natural rather than forced, creating an intimate quality well-suited to quiet listening or meaningful performance moments. The overall character invites listeners in without demanding complex attention.

Intermediate to advanced pianists who connect with contemporary instrumental music and want repertoire that feels both personally satisfying and accessible to diverse audiences. Teachers seeking solo and duet material that bridges classical technique with popular appeal will find substantial value in the range and consistency of these pieces.

• Let the left hand establish a consistent rhythmic and harmonic foundation; Brickman's pieces thrive on steady accompaniment patterns that support rather than compete with the melody.
• Pay attention to the chord symbols when voicing, especially in passages marked with jazz-influenced progressions; these guide interpretation without constraining individual voice-leading choices.
• Balance transparency in the texture. The pieces work best when listeners can hear the emotional content of the melodic line, not a cluttered or overpedaled sound.
• For the vocal selections, approach the piano part as a true accompaniment that breathes with the singer's phrasing rather than driving relentlessly forward.

These works serve beautifully in recital programs where you want to include modern instrumental music alongside or instead of classical standards. The vocal pieces offer flexibility for collaborative performance, while the solo piano selections work equally well as opening numbers, intermission bridges, or closing statements in mixed-repertoire concerts.

• Voicing jazz-influenced chord progressions with harmonic awareness
• Balancing accompaniment texture to support a vocal line
• Interpreting contemporary piano writing with expressive pedal technique
• Reading and applying chord symbols for flexible arrangement and improvisation
• Developing consistent rhythmic grooves in left-hand patterns
• Translating album production aesthetics into live performance choices