Music from Laufey's 2025 album A Matter of Time, a bright, romantic highlight from the album's lead singles. Correlates with Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Level 5.
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Laufey is an Icelandic pianist and composer who blends jazz harmonies with contemporary pop sensibilities, creating a distinctive sound that appeals to both casual listeners and serious musicians. Her work emphasizes melodic clarity and sophisticated chord progressions, making her compositions valuable teaching tools for pianists exploring the intersection of classical training and modern popular music.
Why we love this
Laufey's jazz-inflected harmonic language opens doors for Grade 5 pianists to experience extended chords and voice leading in a context they actually want to play. The piece balances accessibility with musical substance, rewarding clean technique and tasteful interpretation without demanding virtuosity.
What to expect
Warmth mixed with restraint. The bright, romantic atmosphere never tips into sentimentality; instead, it settles into the kind of intimate, conversational space that modern ballads create. Laufey's melodic gift shines through clean piano writing that lets the beauty of the song speak directly.
Who it's for
Grade 5 pianists ready to explore contemporary idioms with harmonic sophistication. Students who respond to jazz influences and want repertoire that reflects current music will find genuine musical substance here.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melody with genuine legato through the jazz-influenced phrases; let the accompaniment settle into the background so the vocal line emerges naturally.
Treat the harmonic movement with care. These chords contain extensions and substitutions that reward subtle pedal work and attention to voice leading between changes.
Establish a conversational tempo that feels unhurried. Rushing the rubato passages undermines the romantic quality that defines the piece.
How to use it
Program this as a contemporary solo that bridges classical training and modern repertoire, especially valuable on recitals celebrating diverse musical styles. It pairs well alongside traditional Grade 5 material, showing students how foundational skills unlock access to music they hear in the world around them.
Skills your students will build
Playing extended jazz chords with clarity and independence between hands
Shaping melodic lines with rubato in a contemporary context
Managing pedal technique through chromatic harmonic movement
Interpreting pop and jazz idioms on acoustic piano
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