Perfect - Ed Sheeran

• Hands Separately: Spend time practicing each hand separately. This technique allows the pianist to focus on the mechanics of each part in isolation, enhancing muscle memory.
• Use of Metronome: Gradually increase the tempo using a metronome, focusing on maintaining evenness in rhythm.

To effectively master the performance of "Perfect," here are tailored practice strategies focused on the identified challenges:

Focused Exercises:

• Measure 18-24 Focused Drills:

• Break these measures into smaller phrases. For example, practice the left hand playing just the chord changes repeatedly while humming the melody above it.

• Use a drone pitch (Ab) as a pedal tone when practicing the melodic phrases to create a tonal center, which helps contextualize the melody.

• Rhythmic Precision:

• Apply clapping out the rhythms or using syllables to internalize the timing before returning to the keyboard.

General Tips:

• Regular Revisions: Record your practice sessions to identify areas that may require additional focus. Listening back can provide insights that are not immediately apparent while playing.
• Expressive Dynamics: Pay attention to dynamic markings throughout the score and incorporate them into your practice. Emphasizing dynamics brings the piece to life and enhances expressiveness.

By following these insights and practice methods, pianists can navigate the harmonic subtleties and technical challenges of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," ultimately leading to a heartfelt and polished performance.

Composer: Ed Sheeran Arranged By: Jon Schmidt Key Signature: Ab Major Time Signature: 6/8 Tempo: Moderato (90 BPM) Instrumentation: Piano Track Count: 1

The arrangement of "Perfect" exhibits several unique characteristics that enhance its musicality:

• Form and Structure: The piece primarily follows a verse-chorus structure, allowing for a coherent progression through the emotive content of the song. The A-B-A form is effectively utilized to build tension and release, particularly towards the chorus.

• Harmonic Progression: The harmonic movement relies heavily on diatonic chords within the key of Ab major. The progression primarily alternates between the I (Ab), IV (Db), and V (Eb) chords, creating a familiar and accessible sound. The use of ii (Bb minor) is notable and adds emotional depth, particularly in the transitional sections.

• Melodic Ornamentation: The melody is adorned with grace notes and passing tones, particularly around measures 5-10. These embellishments add expressiveness and fluidity to the line, making it engaging to perform.

• Rhythmic Patterns: This arrangement employs various rhythmic groupings, specifically triplet patterns that enhance the piece's lyrical quality. Measures 20-25 display this with flowing eighth notes, contributing to the overall dance-like feel of the piece.

2. Performance Difficulties and Technical Analysis

While this arrangement is fairly accessible, several points present notable challenges:

Difficult Sections:

• Measure 18-24: Here, the left-hand’s rapid transitions between chords while maintaining an even tempo can be challenging for many pianists. The right hand also requires consistent articulation of melodic phrases.

Suggestions for Overcoming Difficulties:

• Slow Practice: Isolate these measures and practice them slowly, ensuring that both hands are coordinated before increasing the tempo.
• Hands Separately: Spend time practicing each hand separately. This technique allows the pianist to focus on the mechanics of each part in isolation, enhancing muscle memory.
• Use of Metronome: Gradually increase the tempo using a metronome, focusing on maintaining evenness in rhythm.

3. Practice Recommendations

To effectively master the performance of "Perfect," here are tailored practice strategies focused on the identified challenges:

Focused Exercises:

• Measure 18-24 Focused Drills:

• Break these measures into smaller phrases. For example, practice the left hand playing just the chord changes repeatedly while humming the melody above it.

• Use a drone pitch (Ab) as a pedal tone when practicing the melodic phrases to create a tonal center, which helps contextualize the melody.

• Rhythmic Precision:

• Apply clapping out the rhythms or using syllables to internalize the timing before returning to the keyboard.

• Practice using staccato for the right-hand melody and legato for the left-hand chords alternately to develop control and style.

General Tips:

• Regular Revisions: Record your practice sessions to identify areas that may require additional focus. Listening back can provide insights that are not immediately apparent while playing.
• Expressive Dynamics: Pay attention to dynamic markings throughout the score and incorporate them into your practice. Emphasizing dynamics brings the piece to life and enhances expressiveness.

By following these insights and practice methods, pianists can navigate the harmonic subtleties and technical challenges of Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," ultimately leading to a heartfelt and polished performance.

Perfect

• Artist
  Ed Sheeran
• Number of imitations:
  202
• Genre
  Ed Sheeran
• Key
  Ab
• Tempo
  90
• Pages
  6
• Notation
  Ed Sheeran
• Compose
  Words and Music by ED SHEERAN Arranged by Jon Schmidt
• Introduction
  Perfect' - Words and Music by ED SHEERAN Arranged by Jon Schmidt, This music is undefined, arr. by Ed Sheeran, Suitable for all students to learn