My Pachyderm: Piano

Whimsical and straightforward, with just enough harmonic color from the accidentals to keep things interesting. The 3/4 meter and simple melody create a folk-song quality that invites humming along.

Early elementary piano students who are ready to read in Middle C position and comfortable with basic hand position. The piece works especially well for students who respond to imaginative narratives and enjoy the social experience of playing with their teacher.

• Keep the 3/4 meter bouncy and conversational rather than rigid. The piece should feel like you're telling the story with gentle swaying, not counting beats.
• Highlight the accidentals as little musical moments that support the story rather than obstacles. Let them surprise and delight the listener.
• If performing with the teacher duet, establish a clear tempo together before you begin. Let the duet's harmonic support guide your phrasing.

This works wonderfully in a studio recital or informal group performance where younger students are sharing pieces. The teacher duet option makes it an engaging piece to feature in a parent-student concert, showing both the student's progress and the collaborative learning experience.

• Reading in Middle C position
• Playing in 3/4 meter
• Identifying and playing accidentals within a familiar tonal context
• Hands-alone coordination
• Musical phrasing through text and narrative