The Soaring Kite: Piano

Strickland nails the balance between technical constraint and musical substance. Early elementary pianists often play pieces that feel like exercises, but this one genuinely sings. The optional teacher duet elevates it from a solo practice piece to something worth sharing in a studio recital.

Calm and buoyant, like watching a kite drift lazily against a clear sky. The melody soars gently without drama, inviting the pianist to find space and ease in every note.

Early elementary pianists who are ready to move beyond single-note melodies and explore sustained, connected phrases. Students who have developed basic hand position security and can navigate Middle C position confidently will find this piece rewarding without frustrating.

• Shape the long legato phrase by listening to the arc of the melody rather than thinking note-to-note. Let gravity guide your hand gently through the peak.
• Practice the accidentals separately before playing the whole piece. Mark them lightly in your score so they catch your eye during performance.
• When the teacher plays the duet part, focus on maintaining your tempo and tone quality rather than listening for cues. This builds independence.

This works beautifully as a primary piece on a studio recital for early elementary students, or as a palate-cleansing moment between more rhythmically active pieces. If you have a student recital in spring, it's an ideal showcase for the legato work you've built throughout the year.

• Reading and executing accidentals in context
• Sustaining legato phrasing across a complete musical thought
• Hand position stability without position shifts
• Listening for and shaping melodic contour