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Five-Star Folk Duets: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

$7.95 USD
$7.95 USD
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Five-Star Folk Duets Cover Image
Five-Star Folk Duets: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

Five-Star Folk Duets: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

13 Colorful Elementary Arrangements for One Piano, Four Hands

Arranged by Dennis Alexander

Level: Elementary

Item: 00-19792
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Description
These colorful folk song arrangements for one piano, four hands deserve a five-star rating for their inventiveness. The primo and secondo parts are equal in difficulty, making it possible for elementary pianists to experience the joy of duet playing at the earliest opportunity. For ease in reading, both primo and secondo are written on the grand staff with clear directions to move up or down to an appropriate octave. Each player gets a chance to play the melody and lyrics are included for every selection. Titles: All Through the Night * Blow the Man Down * Charlie is My Darling * Cockles and Mussels * Did You Ever See a Lassie? * Hush, Little Baby * The Mulberry Bush * Old Joe Clarke * She Wore a Yellow Ribbon * She'll Be Comin' 'Round the Mountain * Skip to My Lou * The Wheels on the Bus * Yankee Doodle

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 32
ISBN10: 0-7390-1925-2
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-1925-2
UPC: 038081191546
SKU: 00-19792

More about this title

About the Arranger: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped elementary piano pedagogy for decades through his work with Alfred Music Publishing, beginning in 1986 and accumulating over 400 published compositions and recordings. He taught piano pedagogy at the University of Montana for 24 years before moving to California, where he later served on the faculties of Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge while maintaining a private teaching studio.

Beyond the classroom, Alexander has built a distinguished career as performer, clinician, and collaborator. He made his New York debut at Carnegie Recital Hall in 1987, has served as collaborative artist for internationally recognized soloists and chamber groups, and remains active as a soloist and accompanist. He has been invited to conduct master classes at MTNA national conventions, judge international piano competitions, and tour throughout Asia performing recitals and workshops. Alexander currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he continues composing and consulting for Alfred Music Publishing.

Why we love this

Alexander understands what makes duet playing irresistible to young pianists, and these arrangements prove it. The equal difficulty between primo and secondo parts means no student feels relegated to the accompaniment role, while the inclusion of lyrics for every song invites singers and family members to join the fun at the keyboard.

What to expect

Opening this book is like stepping into a folk festival arranged for the piano. The familiar melodies feel fresh and inventive, with arrangements that respect their origins while adding harmonic interest and rhythmic vitality that keeps both hands engaged throughout.

Who it's for

This collection belongs in the hands of elementary pianists ready to discover that playing together can be as rewarding as playing alone. It works equally well for studio teachers pairing students of similar ability, classroom music programs introducing ensemble concepts, or families looking for accessible music to play together at home.

How to get the most out of it

  • Prepare each hand independently first. Have the primo player learn their line while the secondo player separately masters their part, then bring them together only after both feel secure.
  • Match the tempo with a conductor's count-off or a metronome click before you begin, especially with younger duet partners who may drift without a steady reference point.
  • Balance the sound by listening to who carries the melody in each arrangement. When primo plays the tune, it should sit slightly forward in the mix; adjust hand heights and weight distribution accordingly.

How to use it

Feature a duet from this collection on a student recital as a change of pace from solo repertoire, or use several pieces in sequence to open a studio performance and immediately establish a collaborative spirit. These arrangements also work beautifully in family concerts or community events where non-musicians appreciate the recognizable tunes and pianists showcase their growing ensemble skills.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading grand staff notation across both primo and segundo parts
  • Listening and rhythmic alignment with a partner
  • Balancing melody and accompaniment roles
  • Musical independence at the keyboard (simultaneous but different tasks for each hand)
  • Coordination of dynamics and phrasing between two players

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