The Best Things In Life Are Free: E-Z Play Today

Warm and nostalgic, with the uncomplicated charm of mid-century American songwriting. The melody invites singers to lean in close, creating an intimate atmosphere that works equally well in a practice room or a small ensemble setting.

Beginning pianists ready to explore jazz standards and students developing their sight-reading fluency at an early intermediate level. Anyone seeking a short, gratifying piece that sounds polished without requiring advanced technique.

• Shape the melody with rubato in the opening phrase; the E-Z Play reduction leaves room for expressive timing that captures the song's romantic character.
• Keep the left hand accompaniment light and conversational rather than driving hard. This allows the right-hand melody to breathe and prevents the arrangement from feeling choppy.
• Listen to classic recordings to absorb how the best pianists handle the bridge section, where the harmonic movement shifts and demands clear voice leading.

Pair this with other accessible standards for a jazz or American songbook concert segment. It also serves as a confident solo vehicle for a student pianist performing at a winter or spring recital, offering variety alongside classical selections.

• Reading and executing jazz chord symbols with rootless voicings
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in a two-hand texture
• Interpreting swing rhythm and phrasing in a popular standard
• Building fluency with a two-page musical form