Easy to Be Hard (from "Hair"): Piano/Vocal/Chords
Easy to Be Hard (from "Hair") Sheet Music Preview

Easy to Be Hard (from "Hair"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

Music by Galt MacDermot, words by James Rado and Gerome Ragni

Item: 00-PS-0010786
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Description
The musical Hair was a cultural phenomenon in the epoch-changing era of the 1960s. Broadway has never been the same. This songbook includes highlights from the smash hit revival of the show, which has attracted raves from audiences and critics alike. Relive the new dawning of the Age of Aquarius and let the sun shine in! Titles: Air * Aquarius * Black Boys * Colored Spade * Donna * Easy to Be Hard * Flesh Failures, The / Let the Sun Shine In * Frank Mills * Give Up All Desires * Going Down * Good Morning Starshine * Hair * Hare Krishna (Be In) * Hashish * I Believe in Love * I Got Life * I'm Black / Ain't Got No * Initials * Manchester England * My Conviction * Old Fashioned Melody / Electric Blues * Sodomy * Three-Five-Zero-Zero * Walking in Space * What a Piece of Work Is Man * Where Do I Go? * White Boys * Yes, I's Finished on Y'alls Farmlands / Abie Baby.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 150
SKU: 00-PS-0010786

More about this title

About the Composer: Galt MacDermot

Galt MacDermot (1928-2018) was a Canadian composer whose work bridged classical training and popular music. He studied at the University of Cape Town and later in Europe, but found his greatest impact in musical theater, where he helped democratize Broadway by infusing it with rock, funk, and world music influences.

MacDermot's score for Hair (1967) remains his signature achievement. Working with lyricists James Rado and Gerome Ragni, he created a musical that broke every rule of the establishment and matched its revolutionary content with equally bold music. His ability to write memorable melodies within unconventional harmonic language made Hair accessible to mainstream audiences while respecting the intelligence of rock-era listeners. He continued composing for theater and concert music throughout his life, but Hair stands as his most enduring contribution to American musical culture.

Why we love this

MacDermot's melodies are instantly singable yet harmonically sophisticated, giving pianists and singers material that feels both contemporary and substantial. The songs work equally well in a jazz club, a rehearsal room, or a full production, making this collection endlessly versatile for programming. Each piece reflects the cultural moment that birthed Hair while remaining fresh enough to resonate with today's students.

What to expect

Hair pulses with the energy and idealism of the 1960s counterculture while remaining deeply human in its emotional core. The piano/vocal arrangements capture both the rebellious spirit and the genuine vulnerability of these songs, swinging from exuberant celebration to intimate introspection sometimes within a single number. You'll find yourself moving to the rhythm while being moved by the sincerity of the lyrics.

Who it's for

Pianists accompanying singers preparing audition material or solo recitals will find a treasure trove of well-crafted songs spanning different moods and technical demands. Vocal students exploring contemporary American musical theater repertoire benefit from MacDermot's gift for memorable lines and character-driven material. Music teachers programming concert selections or studying the intersection of rock music and Broadway will value the full score context this collection provides.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lean into the rhythmic drive of the rock-influenced songs; let the piano establish a clear pulse rather than playing too delicately, especially in uptempo numbers like 'I Got Life' and 'Going Down'.
  • Balance the vocal line with accompaniment so lyrics remain clear, since many of these songs carry distinct social commentary that deserves to be heard.
  • Explore the harmonic language underneath these melodies; MacDermot layers surprising chord changes that reward close listening and can elevate an otherwise straightforward arrangement.
  • Pair sparse sections with richer ones to create dynamic shape across a set of songs; the contrast between an intimate number and a fuller arrangement will keep audiences engaged.

How to use it

Feature these songs as a curated Hair retrospective in a musical theater concert, or select individual pieces to complement a season exploring the influence of rock music on Broadway. The variety of tempos, styles, and emotional content makes it possible to build a complete set list from this single collection. Use songs like 'Easy to Be Hard' or 'Frank Mills' as recital opener or closer material for advanced vocal students.

Skills your students will build

  • Singing with conviction through contemporary harmonic language
  • Accompanying vocal lines with rhythmic independence and textural awareness
  • Navigating rock-influenced rhythms and syncopation in a theater context
  • Interpreting song lyrics with authenticity and emotional presence
  • Balancing accessibility with sophistication in performance choices

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