- Level: Late Elementary
- Pages: 4 pages, 2 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Contented
- Bonus: mp3 performance track + QR code to access recording online
- Format:PDF instant download
Sunlit Valley is a reflective piece that perfectly captures both a contented and joyful feeling. This piece paints a picture of clouds passing over the sun as it hits the valley, causing moments of more sensitive reflection mixed with moments of sunlit brilliance. The vast range of dynamics makes this a wonderful opportunity for students to practice playing expressively.
In addition, Sunlit Valley has an impressive sound thanks to a repeated low G in the left hand.
What level is Sunlit Valley?
Sunlit Valley is a late elementary piano solo. The piece is written in C Major, and there are no accidentals. Pedal markings are indicated. The smallest note value is an eighth note. This piece is ideal for those still mastering eighth notes thanks to the repeated patterns and notes during eighth note phrases. Eighth note phrases also feature very easy left hand parts so students can focus on the right hand. Helpful fingerings are included.
There are many dynamic markings included, making it a wonderful chance for students to play more expressively. Sunlit Valley is written mainly in treble clef for both hands – a repeated low G in the left hand does use the bass clef. Sunlit Valley is written in 4/4, with one brief and simple measure of 6/4. There are many long phrases in this piece, also making it a good opportunity for students to learn to how to pedal throughout a phrase.
Bonus recording included!
Sunlit Valley 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 Exploring Beautiful Places Series:
This series of late elementary pieces builds on the elementary In Beautiful Places series that is composed specifically to appeal to teens and adults. Exploring Beautiful Places helps students progress in their rhythms (eighth notes are added in this series) and moving around more fluidly around the piano.
Sunlit Valley is included in this discounted Exploring Beautiful Places bundle that includes three late elementary piano solos:
- Quiet Retreat
- Sunlit Valley (that’s this piece)
- Foggy Mooring
What is the Studio License?
Sunlit Valley 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.
Valerie –
This piece is a gem! I love the two contrasting sections, and I can tell that this will be a favorite for recitals. It has the big sound that students crave, while the hand movements are simple enough to conquer!
Kelli –
My students are loving this piece! The moves are simple enough for students to grasp quickly. Another winner of the plays easy/sounds hard category Wendy Stevens is so good at writing! Among the Beautiful Places series, this is one that every teacher should have in their collection.
Emily –
Absolutely gorgeous piece that makes beginners sound mature. My teenage student loves it! I love that there are pieces that sound really big and grand, but can be taught by rote.
Anna Maria –
My students have loved this piece, both young people and adults. It sounds so impressive! The adult student was so surprised that I thought she could play this because it sounded so beautiful and mature. I’ve talked about telling a story with this piece and what clues the composer was giving us. My middle schooler got all excited about seeing all these clues and using them to express herself. Thank you, Wendy, for giving us such a wonderful teaching piece!
Laurie –
This is such a beautifully expressive piece and is well within the skill level of the young student [I saw playing it]. It also gives plenty of opportunity for the student to learn how to play dynamic nuances and practice pedalling skills. On playing it myself, I loved how the patterns and intervals were comfortable and predictable enough to remember quickly, yet harmonically interesting. Beautifully written.
Amber –
This is such a beautiful piece for all ages – kids, teens, and adults! One of my favorites in the beautiful places series!