Kiss Me: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement opens a door to recent popular music that students actually want to play. The four-page format keeps it manageable while preserving the song's delicate emotional arc, making it ideal for recitals, auditions, or simply rounding out a student's performance repertoire with something contemporary and meaningful.

Tender and understated, this arrangement mirrors the song's folk-influenced simplicity. Delicate harmonic language supports a memorable melody that invites singers and listeners into an intimate moment, creating space for genuine musical expression.

This works for late-elementary through early-intermediate pianists who are ready for contemporary material with emotional depth. It's equally useful for students preparing recital pieces, audition selections, or simply wanting to explore songs beyond traditional classical or jazz standards.

• Shape the melody with rubato in the opening phrases to capture the song's intimate quality; resist the urge to lock into a strict tempo until the accompaniment pattern establishes itself.
• Balance the left hand underneath the vocal line so the harmonic progression supports rather than competes with the melody.
• Allow space between phrases to breathe. This song's power comes from restraint, not from filling every moment with sound.
• Experiment with pedal changes at phrase boundaries to clarify harmonic movement without muddying the accompaniment.

Insert this into a student recital as a refreshing contemporary selection that appeals to audiences of all ages. It also serves beautifully as a showcase piece for demonstrating how contemporary popular music can be approached with the same musical intention as any art song.

• Pedal control and timing in contemporary piano writing
• Balance between melody and accompaniment in folk-influenced arrangements
• Phrasing and rubato in songs with sung melody lines
• Harmonic listening and awareness of progression supporting melodic content