What's Going On?

by Marvin Gaye

Intermediate(51/100)Sight Reading: Grade 55:20

Free piano sheet music for What's Going On? by Marvin Gaye. Intermediate level piece suitable for students at abrsm grade 3-5 level.

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About This Piece

"What's Going On?" by Marvin Gaye is an intermediate-level piano piece with a duration of approximately 5:20. An intermediate piece that will challenge and develop your technique. Features more complex rhythms, extended hand positions, and musical expression opportunities. This arrangement is ideal for pianists with 2-4 years of experience. Marvin Gaye's composition showcases complex time signatures and key signatures up to 4 sharps/flats, making it an excellent choice for developing these essential skills.

Released in 1971, 'What's Going On' is a poignant commentary on social issues and personal struggles. Marvin Gaye's smooth vocals and the song's lush instrumentation create a powerful emotional impact.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Who This Is For

  • Students at ABRSM Grade 3-5 level
  • Self-taught pianists with solid fundamentals
  • Those comfortable with varied repertoire
  • Players looking to expand their technique

Experience Needed

Level:Intermediate
Experience:2-4 years
Duration:5:20

What You'll Learn

Technical Skills

  • Scales and arpeggios
  • Chord inversions
  • Syncopated rhythms
  • Independent hand movement
  • Pedal technique
  • Varied articulation

Musical Concepts

  • Complex time signatures
  • Key signatures up to 4 sharps/flats
  • Expressive dynamics
  • Tempo variations (ritardando, accelerando)
  • Musical phrasing

Learning Timeline

3-5 weeks with dedicated practice
To Learn
30-60 minutes daily
Practice Time
6-10 weeks to performance-ready
To Master

Practice Tips

  • 1Analyze the piece structure before starting
  • 2Practice difficult sections at half tempo
  • 3Focus on musical expression, not just notes
  • 4Record yourself to identify areas for improvement
  • 5Work on maintaining consistent tempo

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