Send One Your Love: E-Z Play Today

Wonder's melodic gift shines through in this soul classic, and the E-Z Play format makes his harmonic sophistication accessible without oversimplifying what makes the song musically rich. Students encounter genuine jazz and soul vocabulary here rather than diluted pop, giving them exposure to real songwriting craft at a manageable technical level.

Warm and intimate, this song wraps around the listener with smooth harmonies and a gentle groove that feels both relaxed and intentional. The melody carries genuine tenderness while the chords hint at jazz sophistication, creating a piece that's soulful without being sentimental.

Intermediate piano students ready for soul and jazz repertoire will find this accessible without feeling patronized. Teachers looking to introduce authentic contemporary songwriting and harmonic language to pianists who've moved beyond basic pop charts will appreciate how this piece delivers both musicality and achievable technique.

• Let the swing feel breathe; the groove depends on laying back slightly behind the beat rather than locking rigidly to the pulse.
• Shape the melody with the same vocal phrasing Wonder uses. Think of the piano line as singing, with natural breath points and rubato in quieter moments.
• Keep touch light on chord clusters and extended harmonies so they ring without muddiness. These colors only matter if listeners can hear them clearly.
• Balance the left hand so accompaniment serves the melody. This isn't stride playing; keep it subtle and supportive.

Pair this with other soul and R&B standards to show students how contemporary songwriting draws on jazz harmonic tradition. It works equally well as a solo recital piece for students exploring non-classical repertoire or as part of a concert celebrating American popular song.

• Reading lead sheet notation with chord symbols
• Voicing jazz harmonies in left hand while maintaining melodic clarity
• Interpreting swing rhythms and groove-based phrasing
• Balancing accompaniment texture with melody prominence
• Understanding soul and R&B harmonic language