- Level: Mid Elementary
- Pages: 4 pages, 2 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Reflective, Melancholy
- Format: PDF instant download
On Hedge Apple Trail is the fourth in a series of elementary pieces written for the older or more mature piano students. This beautiful and tranquil piece is an excellent way to encourage legato and gentle touch. Though there are some flats in the piece, it rests in a comfortable modified middle C position and explores just a few out of position motives. Adults, teens, and mature children will enjoy the gentle and nature power of On Hedge Apple Trail.
This “In Beautiful Places” currently includes this piece, Prairie Creek Sunrise, By the Blue-green Bay, and In Miller’s Meadow. All of these are fantastic choices for the older beginner, teens, adults, or any students who love beautiful music.
This piece was commissioned by the Newton Music Teachers Association.
The Level of On Hedge Apple Trail
On Hedge Apple Trail is mid elementary level. The piece is in a modified middle C position with a Bb and Eb through most of the piece. In the B section, the right hand does move to a few new places, playing a 3 note motive, but these are easily found and can even be marked with note names to help students find them. The hands never play together in the entire piece, so On Hedge Apple Trail is easy to play, even for students struggling with hands together playing. Pedaling is not necessary, but may be added if desired. The piece sounds very mature even without pedal.
All accidentals are written in, so there is no key signature.
The smallest note value is the quarter note. The entire piece contains only quarter, half, and whole notes.
The “In Beautiful Places” Series
This piece is part of the growing “In Beautiful Places” series. The seed of this series was planted upon the creation of Up Sandy Ripple Road which was inspired by the critically acclaimed author, Wendell Berry. Here are the other pieces in this series:
Who will enjoy Prairie Creek Sunrise
We’ve heard from all ages of students about these pieces, so it’s appropriate for any age. But we’ve heard from many adults and teens who are loving these pieces and that’s exactly for whom they were written!
Chelsea Coon –
I am a huge fan of Wendy and Compose Create! I recently tried this song “On Hedge Apple Trail” with a student who loves slow tempo songs and has enjoyed playing other songs by Compose Create. The success with this song is proven with the student’s smiles and willingness to practice without being prompted to along with excitement to perform it each week! Congrats on another beautifully composed piece Wendy!
Candace –
This piece is beautiful. I’ve used this piece with an adult student and also an older teen who really loves slower, beautiful music. The patterns used in the piece make it easy to learn, but the melody is beautiful and interesting. Way to go again, Wendy!
Susan Ruhl –
My students LOVE to play music by Wendy Stevens. On “Hedge Apple Trail” appeals to both my mature elementary students as well as my teen and adult students. The repeating melodic and rhythmic patterns and tied notes make it simple to play, allowing students to focus on expression. One of my students said, “This music helps me relax after a busy day.” Bravo Wendy, for helping students not only want to learn to play the piano but integrate the love of music into their lives.
Faith –
One thing I appreciate about Wendy’s music is the titles of her pieces that encourage expressive playing in students and help them to create emotion and feeling in their music. I had a conversation with a student this week about this title. We talked about how the hedge apples come from the trees that were planted in shelter belts to protect farms from the strong winds that blow across the prairies. The title paints a picture of a calm walk along a country road bordered by these trees.
Jenny –
I love using Wendy’s Beautiful Places series with my adult students, who are especially busy and sometimes struggle to get practice time in or to internalize musical concepts. One student in particular has been discouraged recently with some of his other pieces, so I gave him “On Hedge Apple Trail” and he thought it was just lovely. It felt approachable and beautiful to him.