People (from Funny Girl): E-Z Play Today

"People" works beautifully as an introduction to legit Broadway repertoire without the technical extremes that can intimidate pianists new to the genre. The song's harmonic language is accessible yet sophisticated enough to keep intermediate players engaged, making it ideal for students ready to move beyond lead sheets but not quite at advanced jazz standards.

Tender and reflective, with the quiet conviction of someone discovering something essential about human connection. The harmonic movement feels both inevitable and gently surprising, creating space for a pianist to bring warmth without sentimentality.

Intermediate pianists building a Broadway and standards repertoire, or students exploring how jazz harmonies function within theatrical music. Directors looking for a three-page piece that feels substantial but won't consume a student's practice time for weeks.

• Shape the melody with long, singing phrases rather than punctuating each bar. Think of the piano as accompanying a vocalist, even in solo passages.
• Balance the left hand accompaniment so it supports without overwhelming. This is character music, not a virtuosic display.
• Take time on the emotional peaks, particularly where the harmony shifts. Slight rubato in those moments sounds natural rather than sentimental.
• Explore the space between the notated chords and the underlying jazz harmony. Small comping choices can add sophistication without departing from the score.

Perfect for a piano recital segment showcasing the American songbook, or as a bridge piece between classical studies and jazz exploration. Works equally well as a feature in a Broadway-themed concert or as a solo selection in a mixed ensemble program.

• Interpreting jazz harmony within written notation
• Accompanying sensibility and dynamic control
• Phrasing legit vocal repertoire on piano
• Navigating changing harmonic colors across three pages
• Balance between orchestral texture and melodic clarity