Taxman: E-Z Play Today

Taxman captures the wit and rhythmic drive that made the Beatles such exceptional writers. The piano part sits comfortably for intermediate players while maintaining the song's angular energy and comedic bite, making it an engaging choice for students exploring rock repertoire with real harmonic substance.

Sharp, witty, and rhythmically propulsive. The song carries an undercurrent of playful critique beneath its catchy surface, and the piano part captures both the accessibility and the underlying musical intelligence that made the Beatles so influential.

Intermediate pianists ready to tackle a recognizable rock song with real melodic and harmonic interest. This arrangement works equally well for solo performance, music class repertoire, or informal recital contexts where students want to play something contemporary and engaging.

• Lock into the steady rhythmic groove early. This song relies on consistent pulse rather than rubato, so establish a metronome feel from the first rehearsal.
• Pay attention to the interaction between the left and right hands. The bass line and melody have independent rhythmic characters that shouldn't blur together.
• Lean into the satirical tone of the lyrics if you're singing. The piano part should support that slightly sardonic attitude without overshadowing it.

Include this in a modern music unit where students explore how rock songwriting differs from classical forms, or program it alongside other Beatles songs to show the range of their catalog. It's also an excellent choice for informal student recitals or for students seeking contemporary material to supplement classical studies.

• Reading syncopated rhythms in a rock context
• Coordinating independent bass line and melody figures
• Interpreting chord progressions with modern harmonic movement
• Maintaining steady groove and pulse in a popular music style