Turtle Tank Cover Image

Turtle Tank: Piano Sheet

$3.50 USD
$3.50 USD
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Turtle Tank Cover Image
Turtle Tank: Piano Sheet

Turtle Tank: Piano Sheet

By Margaret Goldston

Level: Early Elementary

Item: 00-5303
$3.50
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Description
The brave, little turtle depicted on the cover of this early elementary piano solo by Margaret Goldston promises protection to the beginner student. A simple, 2-bar theme outlines the C minor triad and alternates between staccato and legato. Changes in dynamics are covered in this piece, as well as accented minor second intervals.

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Additional Details
Series: Signature Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
ISBN10: 0-7390-2823-5
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-2823-0
UPC: 038081050713
SKU: 00-5303

More about this title

About the Composer: Margaret Goldston

Margaret Goldston

Margaret Goldston (1932-2003) built her career teaching piano students across all ages in her North Carolina studio while maintaining an active schedule as a composer and clinician. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Louisiana State University and later studied composition privately with Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Ward, grounding her own compositional voice in rigorous technique.

Goldston's contributions to music education were recognized throughout her lifetime. She received the Composer of the Year award from the North Carolina Federation of Music Clubs twice (1983 and 1994), conducted masterclasses and workshops across the United States and Canada, and was commissioned to write for Clavier Magazine. After her death in 2003, the Music Teachers National Association honored her as a Foundation Fellow in 2020. Her pieces remain staples on NFMC Junior Festivals lists and contest programs nationwide.

Why we love this

Goldston understood exactly what early elementary pianists need to tackle next after learning basic hand position and note names. The piece builds foundational techniques (staccato, legato, dynamic shaping, and interval awareness) without overwhelming the learner, and the simple two-bar theme gives students something memorable to return to, reinforcing confidence as they discover how musical ideas can be developed.

What to expect

The brave little turtle on the cover captures the spirit of this piece perfectly. The staccato sections feel light and quick, like the patter of tiny feet, while the legato passages invite a warmer, more flowing touch. Underneath it all, the C minor triad grounds the music with quiet determination.

Who it's for

Beginning pianists working through their first year of study who are ready to explore touch differentiation and simple harmonic content. The piece suits students who have mastered basic note reading and can hold a steady tempo with minimal hand tension.

How to get the most out of it

  • Establish the staccato notes with clear finger articulation, lifting each key with intention rather than relying on hand motion to create the separation.
  • Practice the legato sections slowly enough to connect without rushing; this transition between staccato and legato styles is the piece's primary technical challenge.
  • Shape the accented minor second intervals by allowing the hand to give them a gentle emphasis, but avoid digging in so hard that tension creeps up the arm.
  • Draw attention to the dynamic markings by looking ahead one phrase at a time; young pianists often become so focused on notes that dynamics get overlooked entirely.

How to use it

Feature this as part of a student recital that celebrates early elementary progress, pairing it alongside other short character pieces from the same level. It works equally well as a pedagogical piece in a studio group class, where beginners can observe one another's approaches to staccato and dynamic control.

Skills your students will build

  • Staccato and legato touch differentiation
  • Triad outline and harmonic awareness (C minor)
  • Dynamic control and contrast
  • Emphasis on minor second intervals
  • Hand independence between staccato and legato articulation

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