Wanna Be Startin' Somethin': E-Z Play Today

This funk and pop classic arrives in an accessible arrangement that captures the song's infectious groove without sacrificing its character. E-Z Play Today editions unlock contemporary repertoire for pianists who might otherwise skip over pop music entirely, and this track has the rhythmic sophistication and ear-catching hooks that make students actually want to practice.

Propulsive and energetic. The piece pulses with the funk sensibility that defined Jackson's production style, built on layered rhythms and a bass line that moves the harmony forward. You're not floating through this one; you're driving it.

Piano students ready to expand beyond classical etudes and develop fluency in contemporary styles. Teachers seeking material that excites ensemble participation while building groove and syncopation skills.

• Lock into the syncopated rhythms early; the pocket here is tight, and even small timing slips become obvious once you're in ensemble contexts or backing tracks.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast between the verse sections and the chorus. The arrangement likely features distinctly different textures that demand your control.
• Layer the percussion parts if you're playing with drums or a full ensemble; this song lives in the interaction between keyboard, rhythm section, and bass.

Pair this with other contemporary pop or funk pieces for a concert segment that highlights how different eras approach rhythm and groove. It works equally well as a standalone feature that showcases your jazz or contemporary ensemble, or as a bridge piece that connects classical training to modern repertoire for younger or less experienced players.

• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms in a pop/funk context
• Understanding groove and pocket in ensemble settings
• Navigating contemporary chord progressions and voicings
• Translating sheet music notation into idiomatic pop keyboard performance