Forget You: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures a song that students actually want to play, which matters more than you might think when building ensemble enthusiasm. The five-page scope keeps it manageable for intermediate pianists while the pop-soul foundation offers a refreshing change from standard classical fare.

Confident and funky, with a soulful backbone that refuses to apologize for itself. The piece invites playful energy while demanding solid rhythmic control and expressive vocal phrasing at the keyboard.

Intermediate pianists seeking contemporary material that bridges pop and soul influences. This works equally well for solo performance, student practice, or ensemble arrangements.

• Nail the rhythmic groove in the left hand early in rehearsals. The pocket matters more here than strict metronomic precision.
• Layer the arrangement gradually if you're teaching this to a group. Start with the melody and basic harmonic foundation, then add rhythmic complexity.
• Pay attention to the song's signature attitude. This isn't a song to play cautiously; commit to the character and let students feel the sass in their playing.

Slot this into a modern repertoire set or showcase concert devoted to 21st century songwriting. It pairs well alongside other accessible pop-soul standards when you're building a concert segment aimed at younger audiences.

• Syncopated rhythm reading in pop and soul idioms
• Groove-based left-hand patterns
• Balancing melodic expression with rhythmic pocket
• Contemporary keyboard voicing and comping techniques