Ezekiel Saw the Wheel - Level 2a Showtime Hymns - pg. 22-23

Sacred

Difficulty Level: 1

(160 Points)

Description:

“Ezekiel Saw the Wheel - Level 2a Showtime Hymns - pg. 22-23” is classified as a Level 1 Piano work worth 160 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 2a - Showtime Hymns and is part of the Sacred collection. The sheet music for “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel - Level 2a Showtime Hymns - pg. 22-23” is not provided on this website because the work is copyrighted. Students may still use this page to view piece details, submit performance videos, earn points, and track their progress on Road to Virtuosity.

“Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” is a Level 2A piano arrangement of a traditional spiritual. It is written in G major and 4/4 time, with an energetic character. The music uses accented chords, repeated rhythmic patterns, simple left-hand accompaniment, short vocal-style phrases, held notes, and a final high-register effect. The arrangement keeps the call-and-response feeling of the spiritual while placing it in a clear beginner-friendly piano texture.

Measures 1–3 introduce the opening accompaniment pattern. The right hand plays accented held chords while the left hand moves underneath with a repeated bass pattern. This creates a strong rhythmic start before the lyrics enter.

Measures 4–12 present the first main section of the song. The melody begins with “Ezekiel saw the wheel” and continues through the “way up in the middle of the air” phrase. The right hand carries the melody while the left hand supports it with simple bass notes and held tones.

Measures 13–18 move into the “big wheel” and “little wheel” section. The melody continues in the right hand, while the left hand keeps the steady accompaniment underneath. This section includes longer held notes and gives the middle of the piece a broader sound.

Measures 19–21 complete the final lyric phrase, returning to “way in the middle of the air.” The music settles briefly before the final accented return of the opening idea.

Measures 22–24 form the closing section. The accented chord pattern from the beginning comes back, and the right hand moves into 8va writing before the final accented chord.

Interesting fact: “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel” is an African American spiritual based on the prophet Ezekiel’s vision in the Bible. It was also part of the early performing repertoire of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in the 1870s.

How to earn points for this piece:

  1. Get the sheet music.Download or purchase the sheet music using the options available on this page.
  2. Practice the piece carefully.Prepare the complete piece and follow any requirements listed on this page. Watch the video example, when available, to check your notes, rhythm and musical details.
  3. Record your performance.Record the complete performance on your phone, camera or recording app. Perfection is not required; a few minor mistakes are okay. Add a YouTube link, or upload a saved video file for private evaluation.
  4. Submit your video for review.Choose free Public Evaluation for community feedback using a Public or Unlisted YouTube video. Choose paid Private Evaluation for RTV admin feedback using a YouTube link or a video file. Review the charge before paying.
  5. Check your result and collect your points.After review, return to your submission to see the result and any feedback. If approved, collect your points. If more practice is needed, use the feedback to prepare another recording. Only approved private evaluations count toward certificates.