Description: “The Clown” is a fun-to-play piano solo that characterizes the humorous movements of a circus clown. The offbeat accompaniment adds to the merriment. The juxtaposition of modal and tonal sounds keep the music bright and cheerful.

Purpose: The purpose of the piece is to provide an enjoyable piano solo for intermediate level students to practice and perform. This solo provides a good study in playing staccato and legato. It also is challenging to play accurately because of all the leaps.

Suggestions for Instruction: Be sure to have the student practice the staccato sounds with a slight motion from the wrist. Encourage the student to employ the forearm in order to achieve the stronger detached sounds. Balance is very important and the teacher should remind the student to listen for the melody; particularly in the opening measure. Good and effective fingering is helpful, so be sure the student develops viable fingering patterns.

Key: G Major

Publisher: Willis Music
Series: Willis
Piano Level: Late Elementary
Pages: 4
Credits: David Karp Later Elementary Level
Composer(s): David Karp