Sword Dance: Piano Sheet

Name: Sword Dance: Piano Sheet
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-2625
Price: 3.50 USD
Availability: InStock

By Lynn Freeman Olson

Level: Early Intermediate

Item: 00-2625

$3.50

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Set in 4/4 time, in a minor, modal setting, and played in a quick, vivace tempo, this dramatic piece combines many touches, accents, and bold dynamics throughout. Most of the keyboard is utilized, there are no accidentals, and the melodic rhythms are quick combinations of eighth and sixteenth notes. A Federation Festivals 2016-2020 selection. A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Sword Dance: Piano Sheet comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 4

UPC: 038081022505

SKU: 00-2625

More about this title

About the Composer: Lynn Freeman Olson

Lynn Freeman Olson built a career composing accessible yet musically substantive works for young pianists and student ensembles. Her compositions balance technical clarity with genuine artistic merit, making her a trusted voice in music education publishing.

Olson's output spans piano solos, vocal music, and instrumental arrangements, all designed with the realities of teaching studios and classroom rehearsals in mind. Her work appears regularly on festival selections and competition lists, reflecting the respect she commands among music educators.

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Why we love this

This piece delivers real drama without requiring advanced hand spans or excessive pedal work. The rhythmic vitality and modal minor sonority give students an authentic character study that feels substantial and performable at the early intermediate level.

What to expect

A vivid, energetic character piece with a martial edge. The minor modal setting and quick rhythmic figures create tension and movement, while bold accents and dynamic contrasts prevent the music from feeling restless—instead it feels purposeful and intense.

Who it's for

Early intermediate pianists ready to handle quick note combinations and varied dynamics without excessive technical complexity. This piece suits students preparing for festivals, recitals, or competitions who want a genuinely dramatic option at their level.

How to get the most out of it

Establish the quick sixteenth and eighth note combinations clearly in practice, then aim for seamless connectivity rather than mechanically precise articulation. The vividness comes from shape and momentum.
Respect the accents and touches throughout; they are the skeleton of the interpretation. Map them out during score study so they feel intentional and musical, not cluttered.
Balance the use of the full keyboard across both hands. Avoid favoring right-hand melody; the piece draws power from how the bass and treble interact across the entire range.
The vivace tempo should feel driven but not rushed. Find the pulse that allows the rhythmic detail to read clearly while maintaining forward motion.

How to use it

Program this for festival competitions or student recitals where you want early intermediate performers to showcase control of dynamics and rhythmic precision. It also works as a strong encore, offering something with genuine personality that audiences remember.