- Level: Late elementary
- Pages: 4 pages, 2 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Cheerful and sprightly, with flowing B section
- Bonus: mp3 performance track + QR code to easily access recording online
- Format:PDF instant download
- Series: Sophisticated Rote and Reading®
Dandelion Yellow paints a fun picture of bright dandelions popping up all over the grass, waving their cheerful heads in the breeze. After their sprightly dance, their long white hair is blown away in the B section, tossed by the wind and planted in new fields. Suddenly, new Dandelions spring up from the ground as the A section returns, giving students an opportunity to explore a full spectrum of personality and dynamics.
What level is Dandelion Yellow?
Dandelion Yellow is a late elementary piano solo. The smallest note value is an eighth note. The piece can be taught by rote, reading, or a combination of both. Written in C Major, there are some modal inflections that are indicated with accidentals and can be taught easily by rote thanks to repeated patterns. There are many crossovers that allow students to look and sound mature, and these can easily be taught by rote.
The left hand plays only fifths throughout the solo – melodic fifths in the A section, and harmonic fifths in the B section. Dandelion Yellow is fantastic practice for students learning to play staccato within a phrase, and allows students to explore playing with varied dynamics. The B section contains pedaling (all notated) and is simple for students to execute.
Bonus recording included!
Dandelion Yellow comes with a bonus mp3 recording performed by Wendy Stevens. You are permitted to send this example performance track to your students to help them learn the piece.
Plus, a QR code is included on the first page of the PDF (not pictured in the sample) so students can scan the code and it will take them directly to the performance recording of the piece. This can help them be inspired and learn the piece even more effectively without you having to send the mp3 to them!
More About the Sophisticated Rote and Reading® Music Series:
This series of late elementary pieces helps you strengthen both the eyes and ears of students who want a more sophisticated sound in their music. Dandelion Yellow and this entire series will be appealing to teens, adults, and anyone who doesn’t want to sound like they are playing “kiddy” elementary music.
These special Rote and Reading® solos were composed because we believe that even the simplest music can sound sophisticated. We believe that teens and adults deserve beautiful, mature music that helps them express what they are feeling in musical ways.
Dandelion Yellow is also included in this discounted Color Music Rote and Reading® Bundle 2 bundle that includes three late elementary Rote and Reading® solos:
- Dandelion Yellow (that’s this piece)
- Boysenberry
- Burnt Umber
What is the Studio License?
Dandelion Yellow is delivered digitally (through your email receipt) and is studio licensed. This means that you can print and use this for any student that you directly teach for your entire lifetime of teaching.
Shannon –
Just gave this piece to a student last night- I was waiting a bit for her group lesson piece to be finished. This student isn’t a fan of bass clef and often gets scared when having to read and move too much. Because of the patterns(she knows her chords) learning it didn’t seem hard to her at all. Very energetic and upbeat my favorite of the bundle.
Jura Litchfield –
My 10 year old student learned this piece rapidly by rote. We analyzed the pentachords and major chord patterns and later changed to c minor patterns. It was fun to learn and sounds very cool. This piece sold itself. No need to motivate or reward.
Pam –
Every single student I’ve given this piece to has LOVED it. So fun to play! Super happy and bright like its name! Yesterday I played it for a student who was counting her music money at the end of our lesson, and she literally stopped and stared, listening intently and smiling hugely. So much for multitasking! It was great! I knew I had hit the nail on the head with that purchase for her!
Bernadette –
This is a great one! Students have enjoyed learning it, they like the bright cheerful opening section. Some students are not fussed on the flow-y pedal pieces which is common in elementary music so this piece gives them a bouncy more lively piece to play which they have loved
Kirstin –
If you’re looking for a happy ray of sunshine, this piece is it! It’s such a fun one, with many textural and articulation changes. It has expansive range and pedal, which make my students feel so polished and accomplished when they learn it. This will make a wonderful addition to our upcoming spring recital!
Debbie –
A delightful, fun piece! My students love it!
ambersaldivar –
All of my students who have been introduced to this piece are loving it! It’s so fun and catchy, and the repeating patterns make it a quick process to learn. It’s wonderful to have a rote piece that’s popular with adults and teens — thanks Wendy!! We love the new QR codes too — so handy, and perfect for learning rote pieces, to have the recording to go along with it!
Pam –
One of my students absolutely loves this piece. It is just right for her level.