Staccato Strut: Piano Sheet

Name: Staccato Strut: Piano Sheet
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-36166
Price: 3.99 USD
Availability: InStock

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Early Intermediate

Item: 00-36166

$3.99

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Staccatos, diatonic triads, and chromaticism lend a contemporary feel to this solo. The allegro tempo marking and 4/4 meter give it the feeling of a quick march. Careful attention to the articulations and voicing of the melody (in both the right and left hands) will guarantee a satisfying musical performance.

"This piece definitely has 'attitude' and flare!"
- The Progressions

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Staccato Strut

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Series: Signature Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 4

ISBN10: 0-7390-7210-2

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-7210-3

UPC: 038081401065

SKU: 00-36166

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano repertoire for nearly four decades through his prolific work with Alfred Music Publishing. Since 1986, he has created over 400 compositions and recordings that span all levels of piano study, earning him recognition as one of the most performed educational composers internationally.

Alexander's teaching career spanned two coasts and multiple institutions. He spent 24 years at the University of Montana as a piano pedagogy instructor and department chair before relocating to California, where he taught at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. Beyond academia, he maintains an active performance schedule as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician, having made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987. He has served as a clinician at state and national conventions, judged international competitions, and toured throughout Asia conducting masterclasses and recitals. Alexander currently resides in Albuquerque and continues composing for Alfred Music Publishing.

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Why we love this

Alexander writes with sophisticated harmonic language that never talks down to young players. The staccato articulations and chromatic movement give this piece genuine musical personality, and the four-page length means students stay engaged without exhaustion. It's the kind of recital piece that sounds far more advanced than the technical demands actually require.

What to expect

Staccato Strut has attitude. The quick-march tempo combined with crisp staccato articulations creates a sense of forward motion and confidence, while chromatic flourishes and diatonic shifts add harmonic interest that keeps the sound fresh and modern. It feels like a walking rhythm that never loses its bounce.

Who it's for

Early intermediate pianists ready for pieces with real personality and contemporary harmonic color. Students who thrive on rhythmic drive and articulation work will connect with this solo's march-like swagger.

How to get the most out of it

Pay close attention to where staccatos appear versus legato passages. These articulation contrasts define the piece's rhythmic energy and contemporary character.
Balance the melody between your hands carefully. Since both hands carry thematic material, make sure each line sings clearly without one hand overpowering the other.
Approach the allegro tempo as a confident march rather than a rushed run. The quick-march feeling comes from precision and articulation, not speed alone.
Voice the diatonic triads so the chromatic movements stand out. Chromatic notes will feel more striking and intentional when the triadic harmony is solid underneath.

How to use it

This works beautifully as an opener or closer on a recital program. Its strong personality and moderate length make it ideal for showcasing a student's rhythmic precision and articulation skills without requiring extended stamina. It pairs well with contrasting lyrical pieces or with other character pieces from Alexander's catalogue.