Forever: E-Z Play Today

Tomlin's "Forever" works beautifully in the E-Z Play Today series because it respects the intelligence of intermediate pianists while remaining genuinely singable and emotionally direct. The two-page length makes it practical for students building confidence with complete pieces, and the song's steady harmonic foundation leaves room for expressive phrasing without technical obstacles.

The piece carries the quiet assurance and gentle forward motion characteristic of Tomlin's writing, with harmonic progressions that feel both familiar and thoughtfully voiced. It invites performers into a space of reflection rather than spectacle, rewarding attention to tone and phrasing over technical display.

Intermediate pianists working through contemporary Christian repertoire, worship leaders building an accessible catalog of Tomlin arrangements, and students developing comfort with modern songwriting that bridges congregational and solo performance contexts.

• Establish the tempo early and keep it consistent; this song depends on steady pulse rather than rubato for its emotional impact
• Balance the melody against the accompaniment by thinking in phrases rather than individual measures, allowing the harmonic progression to breathe naturally
• Let silence matter as much as sound, particularly at phrase endings where a brief pause can deepen the contemplative quality

Slot this into a service or concert where contemporary and traditional repertoire sit together, or feature it as part of a student recital program that spans different musical styles. Its length and moderate difficulty make it ideal for filling a program slot where you need substance without overwhelming younger performers.

• Phrasing and breath control in modern melodic writing
• Coordination between independent melodic and harmonic lines
• Dynamic control and tone production at moderate volumes
• Sight-reading accessibility with contemporary notational conventions