The Crazy Computer: Piano Sheet

Goldston crafts a piece that teaches simultaneous independence of the hands without sacrificing genuine musicality. Students encounter real interpretive choices (when to lean into a phrase, how to shape the staccato articulation) rather than just executing mechanical exercises, which keeps elementary pianists engaged and eager to come back.

Lighthearted and playful, as the title suggests. The legato melody sings while the staccato accompaniment bounces alongside it, creating a character piece that's genuinely happy rather than merely instructional.

Elementary pianists ready to move beyond single-line melodies and explore the independence required for two-hand coordination. Students working in middle C position who need structured, enjoyable material that builds technical control without feeling like drill work.

• Record yourself playing the legato passages alone, then listen to hear whether your hand releases weight at the end of each phrase or if tension carries over into the next one; this trains the ear to notice what the fingers are actually doing.
• Map out where the staccato hand needs energy and where it can stay light; not all staccatos demand the same weight, and Goldston's writing rewards nuance.
• Work the contrasting touches separately for at least a week before combining them; once each hand knows its job, bring them together slowly at about half tempo.

Perfect for a student recital where you want to showcase progress in touch and phrasing without programming something overly serious. The four-page length makes it ideal for spring studio concerts or as a confidence-builder early in the intermediate transition.

• Simultaneous legato and staccato articulation between hands
• Dynamic shaping within phrases
• Finger independence and hand coordination
• Rhythmic accuracy in accompanying figures
• Phrasing awareness and musical line singing