It's Not For Me To Say Sheet Music Preview

It's Not For Me To Say: E-Z Play Today

As performed by Johnny Mathis

Item: 35-DS01046806

Digital Download
$4.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 3
SKU: 35-DS01046806

More about this title

About the Artist: Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis built his career on the foundation of impeccable phrasing and emotional restraint. A trained vocalist with a background in classical music, he became one of the defining voices of the American popular song, known for interpretations that prioritize lyrical clarity and tasteful orchestration over technical display.

For music educators, Mathis represents a masterclass in legit singing within a commercial context. His recordings demonstrate how classical vocal training and jazz sensibility can coexist, making him a valuable reference point when teaching students to navigate between genres with integrity.

Why we love this

This arrangement respects the song's elegant simplicity while giving pianists room to develop their touch and phrasing. The standard form and straightforward harmonic language make it accessible for advancing pianists who want to explore jazz idioms without the complexity of bebop changes.

What to expect

Warm and conversational. The song unfolds like a confession shared over a quiet evening, with enough harmonic stability to feel grounded but enough space for your own interpretive choices to matter.

Who it's for

Piano students transitioning from classical technique to jazz and pop repertoire, as well as pianists preparing for musical theater auditions. The E-Z Play format makes it approachable for adults returning to music after years away.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melody with attention to breath points, even on an instrumental. Let the 8 and 16-bar phrases breathe naturally rather than playing through them mechanically.
  • Treat the left hand as supportive rather than decorative. Comping should sit behind the melody, not compete with it.
  • Explore dynamics across the form. A quiet first chorus becomes the canvas for a fuller, more confident second pass.

How to use it

Pair this with other vocal standards in a pop or jazz showcase, or use it as a solo interlude piece in a mixed recital. It also works well as a duet feature if you have a vocalist and pianist wanting to collaborate on something manageable but musically substantial.

Skills your students will build

  • Phrasing and rubato in a songwriting context
  • Jazz comping patterns and reharmonization options
  • Balancing melody projection with accompaniment texture
  • Interpreting lead sheet notation with taste and restraint

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