That's When I Think Of You: Lead Sheet / Fake Book

A reflective pop ballad built on the premise of memory and emotional connection. The song settles into moments of intimacy, inviting the pianist to find space within the arrangement rather than filling every moment with sound.

Pianists and vocalists preparing contemporary pop material, whether for solo performance, small ensemble work, or as part of a jazz or commercial music curriculum. Students learning to navigate lead sheets will find this song a practical study in converting written chord symbols into musical accompaniment.

• Establish the groove early by locking into the rhythm section feel; let the accompaniment breathe rather than rushing through chord changes.
• Use the lead line as your anchor when comping, especially through any sections with chromatic motion or unexpected harmonic turns.
• Sing the melody silently while playing to internalize the phrasing and ensure your voicings support the vocal contour rather than competing with it.

Pair this with other contemporary pop songs in a concert showcasing student arrangements and interpretations. It works equally well as a standalone performance piece or as part of a vocal recital where the accompanying pianist needs material that sits comfortably at an intermediate level.

• Reading and interpreting lead sheet notation
• Translating chord symbols into accompaniment patterns
• Balancing accompaniment with lead vocal line
• Navigating pop song form and harmonic progressions
• Developing flexible comping techniques in contemporary idiom