Simple Things: Piano/Vocal/Chords

Brickman's harmonic language sits perfectly at the intersection of pop accessibility and genuine musical sophistication, giving singers and pianists material that sounds both contemporary and timeless. The piano/vocal/chords format makes this ideal for recital pianists who sing, duet performers, or pianists backing up vocalists in intimate settings. The six-page length keeps the piece manageable for learning while offering enough musical content to create a memorable performance.

The piece carries the contemplative warmth characteristic of Brickman's style—intimate without being precious, emotional without melodrama. It invites quiet reflection, the kind of music that makes listeners feel genuinely understood through its unhurried pacing and direct harmonic language.

This arrangement suits pianists who sing, vocalist-pianist duos, and piano students exploring contemporary songwriting beyond classical repertoire. Teachers working with advanced middle school or high school students who want pop-influenced material with genuine musicality will find this accessible without being simplistic.

• Balance the vocal line with accompaniment by keeping the piano part conversational rather than dominant; let chords support the story the singer is telling rather than compete for attention.
• Work out the rhythmic relationship between vocal phrasing and piano voicings separately before combining them; Brickman's pop-influenced style often plays with slight timing variations that read as natural speech.
• Explore the harmonic colors available in the chords—use tasteful pedal and voice leading to create warmth without muddiness, especially important in the quieter sections that define this style.
• If performing solo as a pianist-singer, rehearse the breath coordination carefully so transitions between playing and singing feel seamless rather than technical.

Program this as a recital opener or closer to establish a reflective mood, or pair it with other contemporary vocal music to create a themed set exploring modern approaches to song. The piece works equally well in a student recital setting or as part of a coffeehouse-style concert where the piano-voice relationship takes center stage.

• Balancing vocal melody with accompaniment
• Realizing chord symbols with tasteful voicings
• Integrating singing and playing in real time
• Interpreting contemporary harmonic language in a classical context