I'm Still Breathing: Piano/Vocal/Chords

This collection captures a pivotal moment in 2000s pop with arrangements that preserve the energy and attitude of the originals while remaining playable at the keyboard. Singers and pianists working with contemporary repertoire will find material here that feels current and engaging without sacrificing musicianship.

Confident and unapologetic, these songs move between playful irreverence and genuine emotional vulnerability. The arrangements preserve the album's mix of uptempo pop hooks, tongue-in-cheek attitude, and moments of sincere reflection.

Singers and pianists exploring contemporary pop music, whether for recital, audition repertoire, or ensemble settings where these songs might anchor a modern music program. Accompanists will find these arrangements detailed enough to support expressive singing without overshadowing the vocalist.

• Study the original recordings to absorb the rhythmic drive and vocal phrasing, especially on uptempo tracks where the grooved feel is essential to the arrangement's effectiveness.
• Pay attention to the chord voicings provided; they often include extensions and substitutions that add color beyond basic triads, so voice them intentionally rather than filling in default accompaniment patterns.
• Balance the vocal line so it sits forward of the piano part, particularly in verses where the arrangement may be sparse. The melodies are conversational and intimate even in energetic songs.
• Communicate with your accompanist about the songs' rhythmic pocket; several tracks rely on a strong sense of groove rather than strict metronomic time.

Include selections from this collection in a recital exploring 21st-century songwriting, or use individual songs to introduce students to how contemporary hits are structured and arranged for intimate settings. These pieces work well alongside art song and musical theater repertoire in mixed recital contexts.

• Reading and interpreting chord symbols in contemporary pop contexts
• Balancing vocal melody with keyboard accompaniment in singer-accompanist partnerships
• Understanding rhythmic phrasing and groove in non-classical genres
• Navigating extended and substituted chord voicings
• Interpreting idiomatic pop vocal phrasing and style