I Want To Know What Love Is: E-Z Play Today

Students recognize this song immediately, which means they arrive at the first rehearsal already invested. The E-Z Play arrangement respects the original's emotional arc while keeping the piano part accessible, letting young pianists focus on dynamic control and phrasing rather than technical virtuosity. Programming it on a winter or spring concert gives audiences the joy of a genuine singalong moment.

A song built on yearning and emotional honesty. The melody sits high and exposed, requiring a touch that's both tender and confident. Each phrase feels like it's searching for something just beyond reach, building toward moments of full-hearted declaration.

Piano students at the late elementary through early intermediate level who want to play a song they actually hear on the radio. Teachers seeking accessible rock repertoire that teaches ballad phrasing and dynamic control will find this arrangement particularly useful for students moving beyond classical études.

• Establish the tempo during the introduction and hold it steady. This ballad requires patience; resist the urge to rush into the first verse.
• Shape the dynamics carefully through the verse and pre-chorus sections. The song builds its power through volume and intensity, not through faster playing.
• Listen closely to the accompaniment recording if using it. Lock into the rhythm section's feel, particularly during the full arrangement sections.
• Let the emotional peaks breathe. The chorus deserves space and clarity; avoid cramping it with overly aggressive pedaling.

Place this during a concert's second half as a palate cleanser between more demanding classical or contemporary pieces. It works exceptionally well in programs exploring the intersection of rock and piano, or as a standalone feature that lets student pianists showcase personality and musicality without the pressure of technical display.

• Dynamic shaping in a verse-chorus structure
• Sustaining melodic lines over multiple phrases
• Balancing accompaniment texture with melody prominence
• Interpreting expressive markings in pop and rock contexts
• Coordinating with recorded accompaniments