The Little Things is the twenty-fourth solo piano album by pianist/composer Michele McLaughlin and, like most of her music, the fifteen tracks on the album come from a very personal place. Fourteen of the pieces are original compositions, and the fifteenth is a beautiful arrangement of “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” a huge hit for Elvis Presley back in the 1960s. Michele describes the album this way:

“The Little Things is a collection of quiet moments and honest emotions — the kind we often rush past, yet carry with us long after they’ve gone. This album grew out of a deeply personal season of life, shaped by love and friendship, gratitude and grief, anxiety and resilience, movement and stillness. It reflects the subtle joys, gentle heartbreaks, steady love, and fragile beauty woven into everyday life. These pieces honor the things that lift us, the things that weigh on us, and the people and moments that shape who we are. Some songs were born from joy and connection, others from loss and reflection, but all of them come from a place of noticing — of paying attention to what matters most. Each piece is an invitation to slow down, breathe, and sit with the little things that make life richer, softer, and more meaningful.”

The Little Things begins with the title track, a light and sometimes bittersweet look at the “little things” in life that shape us and make us who we truly are. “Blessed” expresses a deep sense of appreciation for a life well-lived. Much of the piece is played in the upper octaves of the piano, giving it a feeling of lightness and joy. “Grace” is about the patience, kindness and compassion we offer others as well as ourselves. A warm gentleness flows throughout the piece. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” has a flowing broken-chord pattern on the left hand supporting the simple, heartfelt melody. I really love this arrangement and the depth of emotion it expresses! “The Friendship Song” was inspired by those special people who take the time to really get to know and appreciate us for who we are, becoming an important part of our lives. “My Little Companion” is a loving tribute to Lexie, a very special cat who passed away last year. Light-hearted and joyful, it’s a wonderful way to remember an extra-special companion. “The Weight of Grief” was written after Lexie died, and reflects the painful mix of emotions that follow a loved one’s passing. “Barb’s Song” is much lighter, livelier and happier, expressing the power of music to connect and comfort in ways that words often cannot. “Hand In Hand” is a gentle love song, pure and simple! “I Miss You” is a different kind of love song - one that reflects the emptiness that can be felt when a loved one is away. Very sincere, tender and from the heart, it’s another favorite. The album comes to a close with “Resilience,” a piece about triumph and overcoming the obstacles in life. It begins quietly and pensively before bursting into a joyous celebration - a great way to end this special album!

The Little Things will be released on March 10, 2026 and will be widely available to stream and download. More links will be added as they become available. A companion sheet music book is also available as is sheet music for the individual pieces from the album. Both thumbs up for the album and the sheet music!