I'm Old Fashioned Sheet Music Preview

I'm Old Fashioned: E-Z Play Today

As performed by Jerome Kern

Item: 35-DS00449768

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$4.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 2
SKU: 35-DS00449768

More about this title

About the Artist: Jerome Kern

Jerome Kern (1885-1945) composed some of the most enduring melodies in American musical theater, establishing standards that would define the Great American Songbook. His sophisticated harmonic language and gift for memorable melody made him a bridge between classical training and popular music, influencing generations of jazz musicians and composers who followed.

Why we love this

Kern's melodies have an elegance that rewards careful interpretation, and this standard sits perfectly for pianists developing touch and phrasing in the jazz idiom. The harmonic progressions offer enough sophistication to keep advanced students engaged while remaining accessible enough for those building jazz vocabulary.

What to expect

Wistful and reflective, with the gentle nostalgia its title suggests. The melody moves with a conversational ease, and the harmonic changes invite you to linger on certain chords, creating natural pockets for rubato and emotional depth.

Who it's for

Intermediate to advanced pianists exploring the standard repertoire and jazz language. Solo performers and accompanists will both find value in this straightforward, singable vehicle for developing interpretive maturity.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melody with subtle dynamic contours rather than playing it straight; Kern's lines breathe naturally when you honor the lyrical phrasing underneath the notes.
  • Experiment with comping voicings on the harmonic changes, using close positions and extensions (9ths, 11ths) to add sophistication without overwhelming the tune.
  • Let space exist in your accompaniment, especially during the head, so the melody has room to sing.

How to use it

Perfect as a solo feature in a jazz or standards night, or as an interlude between larger ensemble pieces. Its intimate scope and two-page length make it ideal for recital programming alongside other Tin Pan Alley repertoire.

Skills your students will build

  • Interpreting jazz melody with rubato and lyrical phrasing
  • Recognizing and voicing standard jazz chord progressions
  • Balancing single-line melody with harmonic accompaniment
  • Adapting classical technique to popular music idioms

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