Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye: E-Z Play Today

This is a standard that works beautifully in the E-Z Play Today format without sacrificing the sophisticated harmonic movement that makes Porter's writing memorable. Students can focus on the emotional arc of the tune and its gentle melancholy rather than wrestling with complex notation, making it an excellent entry point into jazz standards for pianists transitioning from classical study.

Bittersweet and reflective, with a touch of resignation. The melody sits in a comfortable middle register and moves smoothly, while the underlying harmonies create a gentle sense of longing without becoming heavy or despairing. There's an elegance to this tune, a quality of graceful acceptance.

Pianists with basic to early-intermediate skills who want to explore jazz standards and Broadway repertoire without advanced music theory. This arrangement is equally suited to independent learners and to young students preparing for recitals or informal performance settings.

• Lean into the rubato in the melody line; Porter's songs breathe, and rushing through the phrases flattens the emotional impact.
• Explore the tension between the accompaniment and melody rhythmically, allowing space for the lyrical quality to emerge without over-complicating the harmony.
• Pay attention to the chord voicings provided; even in simplified notation, they carry Porter's distinctive harmonic flavor.

Program this as a solo recital piece for a student demonstrating stylistic range, or pair it with other jazz standards to showcase how a single pianist can interpret different moods across the Great American Songbook. It's also effective as a warm-up for a jazz piano unit, setting the tone for exploring more complex arrangements later.

• Interpreting jazz chord symbols in a simplified context
• Balancing melody and accompaniment with appropriate touch and dynamics
• Understanding rubato and phrasing in the context of a standard
• Recognizing the emotional character of a song and expressing it through tempo and articulation choices