The Way You Do The Things You Do: E-Z Play Today

This E-Z Play arrangement captures the infectious groove and smooth phrasing of a Motown classic without overwhelming students with technical demands. The simplified voicings still preserve the song's essential character, making it an excellent choice for building confidence in students who are ready to play recognizable, stylistically informed music.

Smooth, propulsive, and impossibly catchy. This song has an effortless quality that hides its crafted sophistication, built on a foundation of warm organ tones and vocal precision. Playing it should feel natural and groovy, never stiff.

Students who have mastered basic five-finger patterns and simple chord progressions and are ready to tackle music they recognize from radio and streaming. Pianists preparing for recitals or informal performances will appreciate the accessibility paired with authentic repertoire.

• Keep the rhythm section grounded and steady. The strength of this tune comes from a locked-in pulse, so resist speeding up during the chorus.
• Balance the melody line with subtle accompaniment. These E-Z Play charts often benefit from a light touch on the chords so the hook stays clear.
• Reference the original recording to internalize the phrasing and groove. Hearing how The Temptations articulate the melody will inform your interpretation beyond what notation alone can show.

Include this in a unit on American Songwriting or Motown History, pairing it with other accessible pop standards from the same era. It also works well as a confidence builder mid-year, allowing students to apply their skills to music that connects to broader popular culture.

• Sustaining a steady tempo over repeated groove patterns
• Balancing melody and accompaniment in pop arrangements
• Interpreting simple chord symbols and voicings
• Connecting written notation to recorded reference performances