That Girl: E-Z Play Today

Stevie Wonder's sensibility for a memorable hook paired with genuine harmonic sophistication makes his material rewarding across skill levels. This E-Z Play arrangement captures what makes the song work without requiring students to navigate unnecessary complexity, freeing them to focus on phrasing, dynamics, and the groove that makes soul music resonate.

The song unfolds with confident warmth, balancing a soulful melody against the steady pulse of R&B grooves. There's an intimate quality to it, as if Wonder is singing directly to you from behind the keys, making space for both vulnerability and celebration within the same phrase.

Pianists developing their pop and soul vocabulary will find this accessible yet musically substantial. It works well for students who can read notation fluently but are still building the ear training and stylistic sensitivity needed for more complex Wonder compositions.

• Anchor the groove by feeling the pocket rather than mechanically hitting beats; let the left hand create the rhythmic foundation while your right hand answers with the melody
• Explore the recorded version to hear how Stevie voices chords and where the emphasis sits in the phrase; his keyboard choices often prioritize color over textbook voicings
• Shape the melody with intent by varying dynamics within each phrase; avoid playing all notes at the same volume, even in a simplified arrangement
• Keep the tempo consistent by tapping your foot and trusting your internal clock rather than rushing into faster passages

Consider pairing this with other soul and pop standards in a contemporary music set, or use it as a bridge piece to help students who excel in classical training develop comfort with stylistic improvisation and swing phrasing. Its three-page length makes it ideal for recital programs where you want to showcase personality without overwhelming the listener.

• Executing R&B and soul groove patterns with consistent pocket feel
• Reading and interpreting slash chords and jazz-influenced voicings
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across both hands
• Shaping phrasing through dynamic control in a pop context
• Translating recorded interpretation into personal performance choices