Look To The Rainbow (from Finian's Rainbow): E-Z Play Today

Optimistic and gently swaying, with the timeless appeal of a song that reminds us to look beyond present circumstances. The melody carries a folk-like simplicity that belies the harmonic sophistication underneath, creating that distinctly Broadway feeling of accessible beauty.

Piano students transitioning from method books into real repertoire, community musicians looking for accessible Broadway standards, and teachers seeking repertoire that builds confidence through familiarity. The E-Z Play format honors the original's charm while removing technical barriers.

• Balance the melody clearly against the accompaniment so the song's lyrical quality shines through even at deliberate tempos.
• Let the harmony breathe; this standard rewards expressive phrasing rather than strict metronomic precision.
• Connect with the aspirational warmth of the text; the music itself should sound hopeful, not mechanical.

Pair this with other Golden Age standards for a jazz or American songbook recital, or use it as a morale-building piece in spring concerts when student energy needs refreshing. The approachable length and instant recognizability make it ideal for students performing publicly for the first time.

• Reading chord symbols and jazz harmony
• Pedal control in a jazz context
• Melodic phrasing over accompaniment
• Sight-reading through standards notation