Mockingbird: E-Z Play Today

This duet captures the warmth of two world-class voices without demanding virtuosity from your players. The E-Z Play arrangement gives students a genuine pop standard they'll recognize and enjoy performing, while the three-page format keeps the learning curve manageable.

Intimate and conversational, like listening to two friends share a gentle, reassuring moment together. The melody sits comfortably in a singable range, and the accompaniment feels supportive rather than decorative.

Students who benefit from learning contemporary pop standards with real melodic charm. Pianists at the intermediate beginner level who are ready to play something recognizable and satisfying.

• Balance the melody line so it emerges clearly from the accompaniment, even when both hands are active in the same register.
• Pay attention to the lyrical phrasing rather than strictly mathematical rhythm; let the natural speech patterns of the lyrics guide your tempo and breathing.
• Explore the harmonic color by listening closely to how each chord change supports the emotional arc of the song.

Feature this as a refreshing break from classical repertoire during a spring or end-of-year recital. It works equally well as a solo piece or paired with other pop and rock standards to demonstrate range across different musical eras.

• Balancing melody and accompaniment in the same hand
• Sustaining a steady tempo while following lyrical phrasing
• Reading and interpreting a lead-sheet style arrangement
• Connecting to contemporary popular music through written notation