Memories Are Made Of This: E-Z Play Today

This standard sits perfectly in the sweet spot between accessibility and musicality. The melody is infectious enough to engage young pianists while the harmonic progressions offer real opportunities to explore jazz voicings and rubato without requiring advanced technique.

Warm nostalgia wrapped in a gentle swing. The tune has an unhurried grace that encourages rubato and personal interpretation, making space for both technical clarity and emotional storytelling.

Young pianists developing their jazz vocabulary and pop standards repertoire will find this accessible yet rewarding. Piano students studying vocal accompaniment or those preparing collaborative arrangements with singers will benefit from exploring the interplay between melody and support.

• Shape the melody with subtle dynamic swells at the phrase peaks rather than playing mechanically through; this song rewards singers and listeners alike when the instrumental line breathes alongside the vocal line.
• Experiment with the tempo feel by allowing a touch of flexibility in the accompaniment's rhythmic pocket, which gives the piece its characteristic relaxed quality.
• Color the harmonies by varying left hand voicing options; traditional block chords work, but exploring partial voicings can add sophistication without added complexity.

Pair this with other mid-century standards to build a program celebrating American popular song, or use it as a bridge piece between classical and jazz contexts in a mixed-genre recital. Its three pages make it an ideal encore or opening number that sets an intimate, sophisticated mood.

• Reading and interpreting jazz-influenced chord symbols
• Accompanying a vocal line with flexible rubato
• Creating left-hand voicing variations within harmonic progressions
• Balancing melody prominence with supportive accompaniment