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My Race in Space: Piano Sheet

$3.50 USD
$3.50 USD
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My Race in Space Cover Image
My Race in Space: Piano Sheet

My Race in Space: Piano Sheet

By Willard A. Palmer

Level: Elementary

Item: 00-2288
$3.50
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Description
Correlates with Alfred's Basic Piano Library, Level 1B. With optional pedaling, the elementary level pianist will play ascending broken chord patterns in this C Position song with accidentals that describes an imaginary trip into space. There are dynamic contrasts and tempo changes as well as imaginative lyrics.

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Additional Details
Series: Alfred's Basic Piano Library
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
ISBN10: 1-4706-3096-6
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-3096-6
UPC: 038081013572
SKU: 00-2288

More about this title

About the Composer: Willard A. Palmer

Willard A. Palmer

Willard A. Palmer was a prolific composer and pedagogue whose output spanned nearly every instrument and ensemble format. Over his career, he published 789 works including methods for piano, accordion, guitar, and Hammond Chord Organ, plus hundreds of solo pieces and choral compositions; his materials have been translated into German, Japanese, French, Dutch, and Spanish. Palmer studied at Whitworth College and Millsaps College, then earned a two-year scholarship to the Conservatory of Leipzig. He later joined the faculty at the University of Houston, where he taught accordion for 18 years and conducted research in Baroque ornamentation that became foundational to the Alfred Masterworks series.

Beyond his compositional work, Palmer served as choir director of Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston and became recognized worldwide as an authority on Baroque music scholarship. He received a Doctor of Humanities degree in 1971 and a Doctor of Music degree in 1983, and maintained active membership in the American Federation of Musicians and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Palmer's career embodied a deep commitment to both rigorous musicological study and practical music education.

Why we love this

Palmer understood what captures a young pianist's imagination. This piece uses broken chord patterns and key position playing to build technique while the space-travel narrative and expressive lyrics keep students engaged with the music rather than distracted by it. The dynamic contrasts and tempo changes reward careful practice and give elementary students a genuine reason to shape their phrasing.

What to expect

Playful and exploratory, with a sense of wonder as the ascending patterns lift the melody skyward. The dynamic contrasts and tempo shifts create moments of urgency and discovery, making the piece feel less like a technical study and more like an actual adventure unfolding at the keyboard.

Who it's for

This piece is designed for early elementary pianists following Alfred's Basic Piano Library curriculum, particularly those ready to move beyond simple five-finger patterns. Students who respond well to narrative and imaginative themes will find the space-journey concept motivating as they master C Position playing and begin handling accidentals.

How to get the most out of it

  • Listen for the shape of each ascending broken chord pattern. These are not just finger exercises; each one should sound intentional, moving toward a musical goal rather than sounding mechanical.
  • Observe the tempo changes as part of the story. When the piece quickens, let that excitement come through in your touch; when it slows, allow that breathing space to feel natural rather than abrupt.
  • Pedal sparingly and only where marked. At the elementary level, even optional pedaling should enhance clarity, not muddy the chord progressions you've worked so hard to control.

How to use it

Feature this during a student recital where narrative-driven pieces work particularly well for younger performers. It pairs naturally with other elementary character pieces from the Alfred series and gives students a chance to present something imaginative rather than strictly technical to family and friends.

Skills your students will build

  • Playing ascending broken chord patterns in C Position
  • Reading and executing accidentals (sharps and flats) at the elementary level
  • Responding to dynamic markings and making expressive choices
  • Managing tempo changes and coordinating them with phrasing
  • Optional pedaling technique and when to apply it purposefully

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