Lovin' You: E-Z Play Today

Students recognize this tune immediately, which means engagement is built into the first few measures. The E-Z Play arrangement strips away the complexity of Riperton's original vocal acrobatics while preserving the song's irresistible charm, making it accessible for pianists still building technical confidence.

Warm, joyful, and effortlessly groovy. The piece captures that sun-soaked, optimistic spirit of 1970s soul music; there's a laid-back swing to it that makes you want to move even while sitting at the piano.

Young pianists (typically grades 2-3) who want to play something current and recognizable, plus any pianist looking for a feel-good arrangement that builds confidence without requiring advanced technique. It works equally well as a solo piece or as a springboard for students interested in exploring R&B and soul styles.

• Keep the groove light and bouncy; this song lives on feel rather than precision. Allow the natural swing of the rhythm to carry the melody.
• Balance the right hand melody so it sings clearly without overwhelming the accompaniment. The groove works best when both hands breathe together.
• Don't rush through the moments where the melody rises. The ascending passages that made Riperton's version famous deserve space to land.

Pair this with other pop and R&B standards in a "Voices That Changed Music" concert, or use it as a lesson in how classic songs translate across arrangements and skill levels. It also sits nicely in a spring or end-of-year recital where you want pieces that feel celebratory rather than formal.

• Maintaining steady groove while playing melody and accompaniment
• Phrasing in a pop/R&B idiom (as distinct from classical phrasing)
• Right-hand independence and balance in a syncopated context
• Reading and interpreting stylistic notation (swing, rubato, dynamic nuance)