Awesome Possum: Early Elementary Piano Sheet

Kevin Olson has written something rare here: a blues piece that sounds genuinely musical without overwhelming early elementary pianists. The modified Middle C position keeps hand movement minimal, and the strategic use of flats teaches chromatic thinking without confusion. Young players get to sound cool right away, which is exactly what keeps them practicing.

Bouncy and contemporary, with enough blues flavor to sound modern without being derivative. The piece has attitude: it swaggers a little, plays with chromatic notes, and never asks the student to do more hand coordination than they can handle. It feels cool to play.

Early elementary students ready to explore a style beyond classical studies and looking for repertoire with personality. This piece works especially well for young pianists who respond to contemporary idioms and want to feel like they're playing "real" music rather than exercise pieces.

• Keep the blues feel relaxed and slightly laid-back. This isn't a march; let the tempo breathe and emphasize the groove rather than metronomic precision.
• Work hands separately first, then layer them slowly. Because hands-together moments are minimal, each hand needs confident independence before combining.
• Highlight the flat notes as they appear. They're intentional moments of color, not obstacles; playing them with awareness adds character to the piece.

Pair this with other animal-themed or nature-inspired early elementary pieces for a themed recital, or program it alone as a reminder that young performers can explore different musical styles. It works well mid-recital to refresh the audience's energy with something unexpected.

• Blues idioms and swing feel at an accessible level
• Playing with flats within a limited range
• Left-hand independence from right-hand melody
• Stylistic interpretation beyond classical phrasing