- Level: Intermediate
- Pages: 6 pages, 4 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Pleasantly compelling
- Format: PDF instant download
Meanwhile is about all those beautiful things that occur under the surface of our lives, but bless us every day. Those flowers that bloom even when no one notices. That bird that sings just for sheer pleasure of singing. That sky this is beautifully painted every day. And our hearts that beat life within us so we can enjoy these things whether we notice or not, but certainly brings dimension and beauty to our lives when we really see them.
Leveling of Meanwhile
Meanwhile is labeled as an intermediate piano solo that falls easily in the hands. Most of the piece is going to be more of an early intermediate level, but the development on the last two pages dictated that it be labeled mid-intermediate.
Who will enjoy Meanwhile
Intermediate students or even teachers who are beyond the intermediate level will enjoy the relaxed and melancholy feel. The harmonies are fresh and not predictable, but very soothing and compelling to all ears.
Thoughts on the key signature
There is no key signature in Meanwhile and the piece certainly begins in C Major. Accidentals are written in since it explores many pleasant harmonies outside the key. Meanwhile begins to officially modulate in m. 53, but the modulation only peaks at m. 60, almost the end of the piece. Therefore, instead of officially changing keys just for the ending, accidentals are written in to make it easier for reading.
Susan –
I like to play this a little slower ,pensive almost, to feel the wonder around us
Robin Steinwetg –
I confess it–I did not purchase “Meanwhile” for a student (though I won’t withhold it, lol), but for myself! It is unleashed joy. When the heart swells so you think it’s going to burst, run to the piano and play this, quick!!!! This piece can mold itself to other moods as well. Thoroughly satisfying and enjoyable! Thank you, Wendy.
Teresa Unkefer –
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your compositions with us! We have enjoyed your fun “Yee-Haw” and intensity of “Buzzer Beater” which is a wonderful late beginner piece for Festivals! I have a full teaching schedule and love to see progress as my students learn to give their gift of music to others. When I listened to you play “Meanwhile” on your website video, I knew that I needed this for another “Wendy Stevens favorite” to offer my late intermediate students. I love the reflection encouraged by this beautiful piece. We are so excited to share “Meanwhile”, “Yee-Haw”, and “Buzzer Beater” at an upcoming recital! Thank you! These compositions definitely receive 5 stars from me!
Debra Carlson –
I personally love playing Meanwhile myself! It’s touching, and so tugs at my emotions. My intermediate students think it’s really pretty, but so far I have not “convinced” any of them to try it! I originally purchased it as a potential recital piece for them to choose from…. they made other choices……there is always the next recital though!
Chris M. –
I love Meanwhile! It is beautiful and relaxing, and I have enjoyed playing it myself!
Shirley D. –
I purchased “Meanwhile” as a possible recital number for one of my students and she has fallen “in love” with it. She enjoys the mood it creates and the ability to play and share her feeling with the audience. My students love Wendy Steven music and arrangements. I highly recommend her music.
Marian –
I also purchased “Meanwhile” as a possible recital number for one of my middle school students and she “lit up” when I played it for her. This student is not a quick learner and learning key signatures has been extremely challenging. Having the notes marked as to the proper key makes it easier for her. We worked on the patterns the first lesson for almost 30 minutes! It held her attendtion the entire time. I wanted to give her enough practice at studio that I felt she could be successful working on her own at home. I am curious to see how this works! It is a beautiful piece.
Melissa Toedtman –
My intermediate students are enjoying “Loch Ness Quest”, ” Meanwhile”, ” Sacred Space”, and ” Joyful, Joyful”. The syncopated rhythms are just challenging enough to make them count, but patternistic enough really get in their ears and muscles. They love the drama! They are able to read through them in their lesson and leave with the confidence that they can work on them at home – and they do because they are having fun!