The initial idea for this came from some duets by Gerald Hengeveld, where the primo (student) plays in various five-finger positions, and the secondo (teacher)provides the main accompaniment. In Five-finger Fox-trot! I have followed this design, except that in the middle section, the five-finger pattern, whilst remaining the same, is used at the bass end of the piano, before returning to the treble for the opening theme's return. I have allowed time for this, and the ... (more)

The initial idea for this came from some duets by Gerald Hengeveld, where the primo (student) plays in various five-finger positions, and the secondo (teacher)provides the main accompaniment. In Five-finger Fox-trot! I have followed this design, except that in the middle section, the five-finger pattern, whilst remaining the same, is used at the bass end of the piano, before returning to the treble for the opening theme's return. I have allowed time for this, and the primo player can even incorporate a little 'dance' as he or she changes end! There is a quicker swap just at the end, so it's all hopefully light-hearted, as well as an essentially 'serious' exercise. The rhythms in the primo part, whilst a little complex when seen notated, are easily picked up by most children, once they've heard them played! This, then, should be a fun 'novelty' or 'party-piece' for student and teacher, or second, more able student.
Following the welcome advice from some piano teachers, I have now done away with the complications of 8va lines, and excessive leger lines in the primo (student's) part, and used global instructions like "Play Two Octaves higher!" and hopefully making it now more user-friendly to read.
Also, with the advantages of Sibelius 3 I have been able to add colour to make the fingering stand out, as well as, for example, Coda signs, all of which should make 'navigation' somewhat easier.
This piece uses only the first five notes in the scale of G (shown at the start). There are now three further Five-finger Movement pieces, which make use of different scales, and dance-styles, Five-finger Disco!, Five-finger Waltz-time! and Five-finger Latina!!]

I would very much like to thank Vicky Cranstone, one of my piano students, for all her help in playing through these arrangements, and enabling me to find any clashes, or impossible moves - many thanks, Vicky!

All Reviews

There are 8 reviews for this score

What fun!
This is fantastic! You have made this simple yet complex at the same time. I love the rhythms, the tune, and the harmonies. I would imagine this would be great fun to play, allowing room for both new and experienced players to have fun! Well done

Matthew Nash

An absolute delight
This is an absolutely delightful piece. Very well crafted. Although most of the music for the student is in a single hand position, the rhythm and interest and melodic design is such to keep the feet tapping. The counterpoint of the teacher's part should not be missed either. Well done indeed.

Paul Copeland

I love it!
This is a really great piece! I love it! It's bright, energetic, fun and long enough to make it a real showpiece. Thanks!

Alison McCree

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