1. Syncopation: Several measures (notably 5-10) contain syncopated rhythms that may challenge the player's timing precision.

2. Hand Coordination: The interplay between left-hand chords and right-hand melody requires multi-tasking, especially in passages such as 17-20, where quick transitions need smooth execution.

3. Dynamic Control: The piece demands varied dynamics for emotional expression, with stretches between piano (soft) and forte (loud), challenging the artist's expressiveness throughout the performance, particularly at dynamic shifts around measures 28 and 30.

Strategies to Overcome Difficulties:

1. Syncopation:

• Specific Measures: Focus on measures 5 and 6, breaking down the difficult rhythm into simpler components and gradually reassembling them.

2. Hand Coordination:

• Exercise: Isolate the right and left hand parts. Gradually bring them together, starting at a slower tempo (50 BPM), and increase speed as comfort develops.

• Specific Measures: Concentrate on measures 17-20, ensuring that each note aligns accurately before speeding up.

3. Dynamic Control:

• Exercise: Mark dynamic changes on the sheet music and practice varying touch sensitivity on individual notes. Consider using a soft pedal for a warm sound.

• Specific Measures: Measure 28’s transition from soft to loud can be practiced with exaggerated dynamics before refining back to natural volume changes.

Additional Technique Development:

Utilizing this score not only aids in mastering the skills of syncopation, coordination, and dynamics, but it also serves as an excellent resource for developing expressiveness in music performance. Consider recording practice sessions and listening to them to refine interpretations and emotional delivery. Establishing a connection with the piece will enhance the musical interpretation, making it not just an exercise in technique but a presentation of artistry.

Sheet Music Analysis for "Life Goes On" by Ed Sheeran

Structural Elements:

"Life Goes On" is set in D Major and follows a 4/4 time signature with a moderate tempo of 72 BPM. This serene pace complements the reflective nature of the composition. The piece is primarily structured with alternating melodic phrases, demonstrating a verse-chorus format typical in modern pop songs.

Melodic and Harmonic Features:

• Melody: The main melody is primarily in the right hand and features smooth, flowing lines with occasional leaps, highlighting emotional moments. The use of eighth and sixteenth notes throughout creates a gentle rhythmic flow, particularly in measures 3-4, where the melody ascends using a series of sustained and overlapping notes, creating an ethereal effect.

• Chords: The harmonic progression mainly utilizes primary chords I (D), IV (G), and V (A), with some deviations towards ii (E minor) and vi (B minor). For instance, in measures 7-8, we note a transition from D major to E minor, which subtly alters the emotional nuance without losing the overall tonal center.

• Rhythmic Patterns: The rhythm is characterized by syncopation, particularly in measures 9 and 10 where the right-hand melody interweaves with left-hand chords creating a rich texture. The recurring use of tied notes helps to sustain musical phrases, facilitating emotive expression.

Life Goes On

• Artist
  Ed Sheeran
• Number of imitations:
  146
• Genre
  Ed Sheeran
• Key
  D
• Tempo
  72
• Pages
  3
• Notation
  Ed Sheeran
• Compose
  Ed Sheeran
• Introduction
  Life Goes On' - Ed Sheeran, This music is undefined, arr. by Ed Sheeran, Suitable for all students to learn