Elephant Trot: Keyboard/Piano

A playful march with personality. The steady trotting rhythm paired with articulation work gives the piece energy and charm, while the lyrics add a theatrical element that makes students smile during practice.

First-year pianists who have basic note reading in place and are ready to think about how hands work together. Students benefit from character-driven pieces that make technical work feel purposeful rather than mechanical.

• Before adding the lyrics, have students nail the articulation pattern in each hand separately. The rhythm should feel secure enough that words become an enhancement, not a distraction.
• Let the "trot" rhythm guide your tempo. A steady, bouncy feel will make the articulation land naturally rather than feel forced.
• Encourage exaggerated staccato in the left hand during early rehearsals. Once the muscle memory locks in, you can shape it toward a lighter, more musical interpretation.

Position this as a light moment in a recital, or pair it with another Lau piece to show range across a student's solo set. The four-page length and narrative wrapper make it memorable for parents watching young performers.

• Articulation control (staccato and legato) across both hands
• Reading and executing intervals in the right hand
• Left hand independence with rhythmic articulation
• Hand position stability without shifting
• Coordination of rhythm and lyrical text