The Gift: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures Brickman's gift for writing melodies that feel both emotionally genuine and immediately playable. The E-Z Play format makes it accessible to intermediate pianists without sacrificing the harmonic sophistication that makes Brickman's original versions so engaging.

Warm and reflective, with a gentle contemporary spirit. The piece balances simplicity in execution with emotional depth, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels personal rather than sentimental. Brickman's melodic gift shines through even in this streamlined format.

Intermediate pianists seeking holiday repertoire with genuine musical substance beyond traditional carols. This works equally well for students building confidence with contemporary pop arrangements and teachers programming attractive Christmas selections that don't require advanced technical skills.

• Let the melody breathe in the right hand while maintaining consistent accompaniment in the left. Brickman's songs rely on clear lyrical phrasing even in instrumental settings.
• Honor the dynamic arc from beginning to end. These pieces typically build gradually, so resist the urge to play everything at the same volume level.
• Pay attention to the jazz-influenced harmonic movement. Subtle chord voicing choices in the left hand will enhance the modern pop sensibility of the piece.

Pair this with other contemporary instrumental selections in a holiday concert to show range beyond traditional festive music. It also works beautifully as a quieter moment in a program dominated by choral or ensemble pieces, offering solo piano time that audiences find refreshing during the December season.

• Playing with consistent rubato and expressive flexibility
• Balancing melody and accompaniment independence between hands
• Interpreting jazz and pop harmonic movement
• Building dynamic shape over longer phrase structures
• Communicating emotional content through contemporary song style