Simply Porter: Piano Book

This collection captures Porter's most iconic works in accessible arrangements that preserve his signature harmonic sophistication. The thoughtful editorial markings—phrasing, articulation, fingering, and dynamics—guide students through the style without oversimplifying the music, making these songs genuinely fun to learn and perform. The large print format and manageable page count make this an ideal bridge between simplified lead sheets and full performance scores.

These songs pulse with the elegance and rhythmic snap of 1930s and 1940s Broadway. Porter's gift for melody means every tune catches in your ear immediately, while his harmonies add sophisticated flavor and mild harmonic surprises. Whether playing a buoyant comic song or a slow, sultry ballad, you'll feel the urbane wit and genuine musical craft that made Porter a master of the form.

Early intermediate pianists ready to explore real jazz standards and Broadway repertoire will find this book rewarding. Teachers seeking authentic yet accessible material for students interested in musical theater, jazz, or 20th-century American song will appreciate the editorial clarity and curated selection.

• Balance the melody against any accompaniment figures; Porter's songs shine when the tune sits naturally on top rather than being buried in the left hand
• Observe the marked articulations carefully, especially in passages that call for legato singing lines or crisp, syncopated rhythms
• Use tempo flexibility sparingly; these standards benefit from a steady pulse, but a slight rubato in cadential moments can enhance the song's character
• Lean into the jazz harmonies in the left hand; even simple voicings become more colorful when you shape them dynamically

Program individual selections from this book for student recitals, variety shows, or informal performances; a single Porter standard often delights audiences and requires minimal rehearsal once learned. These pieces also work as supplementary solo repertoire for piano students interested in jazz and American song traditions, or as springboards for discussion about harmony, form, and interpretation in musical theater.

• Reading jazz-influenced harmonies and chromatic voice leading
• Interpreting phrase markings and articulation in a songlike idiom
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in lead-sheet-style arrangements
• Managing syncopated rhythms and swing rhythms
• Building left-hand independence and voicing awareness