Johnson's Motor Car: E-Z Play Today

A rollicking Irish melody with a natural rhythmic bounce that invites swaying and toe-tapping. The familiar charm of folk music comes through immediately, making it fun to play and equally pleasant to hear.

Elementary and early intermediate pianists working through folk repertoire, or teachers seeking brief, engaging pieces that connect students to traditional music without significant technical barriers. It works equally well as a solo piece or as part of a folk music unit in the curriculum.

• Let the melody breathe in the right hand while keeping the left hand accompaniment steady and unhurried. Resist the urge to rush the rhythm.
• Pay attention to any articulation markings or phrasing slurs in the score. They'll guide the authentic lilt of the tune.
• If a recorded accompaniment is included, use it as a reference for tempo and feel, then practice separating from it to develop independent musicianship.

Slot this into a folk music concert alongside other traditional pieces from various cultures, or feature it in a recital celebrating the roots of keyboard music. At just two pages, it pairs well with contrasting material on the same concert.

• Playing a well-known melody with melodic shape awareness
• Coordinating independent left and right hand patterns at an accessible level
• Intonation and rhythm accuracy in a traditional idiom