Grow Some Funk Of Your Own: E-Z Play Today

This piece captures Elton John's gift for writing grooves that stick in the ear while remaining genuinely fun to play. The arrangement gives pianists a solid footing in funk-influenced playing without requiring virtuosic technique, so students experience the satisfaction of sounding polished quickly. It's the kind of song that reminds learners why they wanted to play piano in the first place.

Upbeat and infectious, this tune bounces with rhythmic confidence. The funk grooves invite movement and spontaneity while remaining grounded in strong harmonic structures that feel satisfying to play.

Students who are hungry for contemporary music beyond classical teaching pieces and want to explore how modern songwriting functions on the instrument. Intermediate pianists will find the technical demands reasonable while the musical payoff is immediate and rewarding.

• Lock into a steady groove by practicing the left hand rhythm independently first; the funk feel depends on consistent pocket playing rather than strict tempo adherence
• Articulate the right hand figures crisply to let the syncopation breathe; avoid smoothing over the spaces between notes
• Listen closely to recordings of the original to absorb how the piano sits in the mix relative to bass and drums, then adjust your dynamic balance accordingly
• Explore the recorded accompaniment to internalize the overall feel before attempting to play along

Pair this with other pop standards in a contemporary styles recital or student showcase to demonstrate the range of what pianists can explore beyond the classical canon. It works equally well as a motivational solo piece or as a springboard for discussing groove-based playing with students who are curious about jazz and funk foundations.

• Funk rhythm and syncopated accompaniment patterns
• Left hand independence and pocket playing
• Interpreting articulation for stylistic authenticity
• Understanding how melody and groove interact in popular music