Gonna Build A Mountain: E-Z Play Today

E-Z Play Today arrangements strip away complexity without sacrificing the song's character. Students encounter genuine Broadway material rather than diluted approximations, making this an authentic entry point to musical theater repertoire. The two-page format respects short attention spans while still delivering a complete, satisfying performance.

A quiet determination mixed with genuine hope. The melody carries an earnest, almost folk-like quality that speaks to ambition and perseverance. There's an optimism here that feels earned rather than saccharine, capturing something honest about human aspiration.

Beginning and early intermediate pianists who want access to real Broadway material without spending months learning a complex arrangement. Teachers looking for a confidence-building assignment that introduces students to classic musical theater and rewards their musicality over technical fireworks.

• Observe the dynamic arc carefully. These arrangements compress emotional storytelling into a small footprint, so your dynamics become the primary tool for conveying the character's determination and hope.
• Anchor the left hand rhythm as your foundation. Even though the voicings are simplified, maintaining a steady pulse in the accompaniment prevents the song from feeling thin or hesitant.
• Sing through the melody while you play. This isn't just a piano piece; it's a song that lives in the voice, and touching that truth transforms your interpretation.

Slot this into a musical theater unit where you need a solo piano feature that doesn't demand virtuosity. It works equally well as a recital piece for a student ready to explore Broadway standards or as part of a cabaret-style program celebrating classic American songwriting.

• Phrasing across longer melodic lines
• Accompanying an unspoken vocal line while playing
• Building intensity through repetition and subtle variation
• Interpreting lyrics musically even as an instrumental performer
• Balancing simplicity with expressiveness