Consider Yourself (from Oliver!): E-Z Play Today

Consider Yourself sits at the intersection of infectious charm and genuine theatrical storytelling. The E-Z Play arrangement makes this iconic number accessible to pianists who want to accompany singers or ensemble performances without wrestling with complex voicings, yet it preserves the number's character completely.

Welcoming and jaunty, with an undercurrent of genuine emotion beneath the cheerfulness. The song invites listeners in with open arms, balancing street-smart wit against moments of surprising tenderness.

Piano students preparing for auditions, accompanying singers in school or community theatre productions, or teachers seeking an engaging, recognizable piece that builds keyboard confidence. Anyone wanting to put a beloved Broadway number within arm's reach.

• Keep the tempo buoyant and conversational. The piece thrives on a sense of friendly persuasion, not marching. Resist the urge to rush, but maintain forward momentum throughout.
• Balance the melody line with clear but unobtrusive accompaniment. Your left hand supports the singer's storytelling; it shouldn't compete for attention.
• Shape the phrases to mirror the Artful Dodger's charm and warmth. Where the melody breathes, let it breathe; where it builds, build with it.

Pair this with other musical theatre selections for a standalone Broadway concert segment, use it as a solo piano piece in variety programs, or offer it as accompaniment for a vocalist in a cabaret-style set. Its three-page length makes it manageable for students working toward recital or performance requirements.

• Sight-reading contemporary piano arrangements with clear layout and notation
• Accompanying vocalists while maintaining rhythmic independence and textural support
• Interpreting Broadway musical style through articulation, tempo flexibility, and character-driven phrasing
• Building confidence with a piece that audiences recognize and enjoy