Move On Up: Piano/Vocal/Chords Digital Sheet Music
Move On Up: Piano/Vocal/Chords Digital Sheet Music

Move On Up: Piano/Vocal/Chords Digital Sheet Music

Curtis Mayfield

Item: 00-PS-0005599
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$3.99
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SKU: 00-PS-0005599

More about this title

About the Artist: Curtis Mayfield

Curtis Mayfield (1942-1999) was a guitarist, singer, and composer whose work defined the soul and funk sound of the 1970s. Rising to prominence as the lead voice and primary songwriter of The Impressions, Mayfield crafted songs that merged infectious grooves with socially conscious lyrics, becoming a model for artists who refused to separate artistry from activism.

Why we love this

"Move On Up" is an infectious, groove-driven anthem that teaches students how to balance vocal melody against a strong rhythmic foundation. The piano part sits perfectly in the pocket without overwhelming the singer, making it an excellent choice for singers who need to develop confidence and phrasing over a solid harmonic bed.

What to expect

Propulsive and warm, with a dancing quality that invites movement. The song radiates optimism and forward momentum, built on a funk-inflected groove that feels effortless when it's locked in but reveals its rhythmic complexity the closer you look.

Who it's for

Pianists and singers preparing material for recitals, auditions, or informal performance settings who want to work with a song that demands both rhythmic precision and expressive vocal control. This works equally well for intermediate pianists accompanying a vocalist or for singers developing their ability to interpret soul and R&B material.

How to get the most out of it

  • Lock the piano groove to a steady eighth-note pocket; this song lives in the space between the beat, so anchor the accompaniment before the vocalist enters.
  • Shape the vocal line with conversational phrasing rather than straight rhythmic delivery; Mayfield's style depends on small timing variations that sit slightly ahead of or behind the beat.
  • Keep the harmonic movement clean and minimal; resist the urge to add flourishes that cloud the essential groove.
  • Support dynamic contrast by playing through verse passages with lighter touch, then opening up the voicings as the energy builds.

How to use it

Include this in a set exploring soul and funk songwriting, or as a standalone contemporary piece that showcases the pianist's ability to support a vocalist in a non-classical idiom. It works well in programs exploring African American musical traditions or in recitals that mix genres and eras.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining steady groove against syncopated vocal phrasing
  • Accompanying a vocalist while maintaining harmonic clarity
  • Interpreting swing and anticipation in a funk/soul context
  • Reading and playing from chord charts with sensitivity to style

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