I Like Myself (from "It's Always Fair Weather"): Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection gathers 60 of the most enduring songs from Hollywood's golden age in one accessible piano/vocal/chords format. Whether you're building a repertoire of standards for your voice studio, creating informal sing-alongs, or introducing singers to the rich melodic language of American musical theater, these songs reward repeated playing and singing. The breadth here means you can program a full evening of material without leaving this single book.

Opening this collection is like walking into a classic movie theater. Each song carries the elegance and directness of mid-century songwriting, with melodies that lodge immediately in memory and harmonies that feel both familiar and sophisticated. There's joy in the simplicity of these pieces alongside genuine musical substance.

This book serves pianists who accompany singers in studio settings, voice teachers seeking a reliable collection of standards, and pianists building their song repertoire. It also works for pianists who want to explore American popular song on their own through playing and singing, developing both instrumental technique and vocal musicianship.

• Balance the vocal line so it floats naturally over the piano; these melodies are designed to shine, so resist the urge to play heavy left-hand figures underneath sustained notes.
• Use the chord symbols to explore jazz voicings and passing chords if the written arrangement feels static. The harmonic language of these standards invites creative reharmonization.
• Shape phrases by following the lyrical content rather than strict beat divisions. These songs breathe like speech, so listen to classic recordings to hear where singers take time.
• Practice singing and playing simultaneously on unfamiliar songs by separating them first. Lock in the accompaniment pattern, then layer the vocal line when you're secure.

Use individual songs from this collection as recital repertoire for your voice students, programming 2-3 standards around classical art songs or contemporary vocal music. You might also create a thematic concert evening of MGM classics, selecting 6-8 songs that tell a cohesive story. For studio use, this book becomes your reliable resource when students want to explore the Great American Songbook without committing to multiple single-song purchases.

• Reading piano/vocal/chord lead sheets
• Coordinating vocal line with piano accompaniment
• Interpreting harmonic changes and exploring voicing options
• Phrasing and breathing for sustained melodic lines
• Accompanying singers with sensitivity to text and lyric rhythm