Slap That Knee! Cover Image

Slap That Knee!: Piano Sheet

$3.50 USD
$3.50 USD
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Slap That Knee! Cover Image
Slap That Knee!: Piano Sheet

Slap That Knee!: Piano Sheet

By Mary K. Sallee

Level: Late Elementary

Item: 00-43022
$3.50
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Description
Diverse articulations make this piece exciting to perform! Written mostly in a C minor 5-finger pattern, each hand plays a separate articulation throughout, and the right hand has sections of "slapping that knee," adding to the fun. A splash of accidentals and upbeat, syncopated rhythms in 4/4 meter contribute to create a solo that late-elementary students will love to play.

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Additional Details
Series: Signature Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
ISBN10: 1-4706-1719-6
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-1719-6
UPC: 038081486963
SKU: 00-43022

More about this title

About the Composer: Mary K. Sallee

Mary K. Sallee

Mary K. Sallee brings both classical training and practical classroom experience to her work as a composer. She earned degrees in piano and voice from the University of Oklahoma, followed by a master's degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the same institution. A Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, she spent a year studying at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna before establishing her independent piano studio in Norman, Oklahoma, where she has taught since 1986 with a specialization in adult learners.

Beyond her studio, Sallee has shaped music education across multiple roles: she taught on the adjunct faculty at Oklahoma Baptist University, served as Oklahoma Music Teachers Association state president, and completed a term as MTNA Director in 2014. As a composer and arranger, she has published over 60 works, many written directly for her own students, with several selections appearing on the National Federation list. Her contributions extend to vocal and choral writing, church music, jazz performance, and festival administration throughout Oklahoma.

Why we love this

Sallee crafted this piece specifically to showcase what late-elementary pianists can do rhythmically and expressively without requiring complex hand positions. The hand-independence writing (each hand with its own articulation) teaches coordination and texture in a context that feels playful rather than mechanical, and the literal "slapping" on the knee makes the physical fun transparent to the performer.

What to expect

The piece bounces with infectious energy, anchored by a steady C minor foundation that feels secure under the hands while the syncopation and accidentals create unexpected turns. The contrasting articulations between hands build a conversational texture, and the knee slaps inject a playful, almost percussive humor into what is fundamentally a confident little performance.

Who it's for

This solo works beautifully for late-elementary pianists who enjoy rhythmic energy and aren't quite ready for extended hand positions or rapid key changes. It's especially well-suited for students who respond to novelty and physical engagement as part of their learning.

How to get the most out of it

  • Keep the articulation contrast clear by exaggerating the difference between hands early in rehearsal; this helps students hear what they're building toward.
  • Explore the knee slaps as a genuine sound effect—they shouldn't feel like mistakes or distractions but as part of the piece's character.
  • Let the syncopated rhythms breathe slightly without losing momentum; late-elementary students sometimes rush when they're having fun.

How to use it

This works as a strong opening number for a studio recital, where its humor and physicality engage an audience immediately and give younger performers a confidence boost. It also fits well in a mixed-grade recital program as a palate cleanser between more serious pieces.

Skills your students will build

  • Hand independence and separate articulation control between left and right hands
  • Reading and executing syncopated rhythms in 4/4 meter
  • Playing with accidentals and chromatic pitches within a 5-finger pattern
  • Dynamic contrast and expressive use of articulation (staccato, legato, and accent)

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