Description:
“Hot Summer Blues - Level 3a Performance - pg. 12-13” is classified as a Level 2 Piano work worth 650 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 3a - Performance and is part of the 1900’s - Present collection. The sheet music for “Hot Summer Blues - Level 3a Performance - pg. 12-13” 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.
“Hot Summer Blues” is a Level 3A performance piece by N. and R. Faber. It is written in 6/8 time and marked “Soulfully,” with the dotted quarter note moving at 60–72. The piece uses a one-sharp key signature, bluesy accidentals, long slurs, dotted rhythms, left-hand harmonic support, dynamic contrasts, sixths and sevenths, fermatas, and a final soft ending. The music has a relaxed blues character, with short melodic phrases that sound like they are being answered by the lower register.
Measures 1–4 introduce the main blues idea. The right hand plays short slurred melodic fragments while the left hand supports with long held notes and simple intervals. The music begins at mezzo-piano, giving the opening a quiet and soulful character.
Measures 5–8 continue the first phrase with more motion in the right hand. The melody uses repeated eighth-note movement and accidentals, while the left hand keeps the harmony grounded with longer notes underneath.
Measures 9–12 bring a stronger middle section. The dynamic changes to mezzo-forte, and the right hand continues the slurred blues-style melody. The left hand adds fuller harmonic support, including intervals that help create the blues color.
Measures 13–16 build toward the first big arrival. The right hand moves from single-note melody into fuller two-note sounds, while the left hand becomes more active underneath. The crescendo leads into a stronger sound at the beginning of the next section.
Measures 17–20 begin at forte with repeated right-hand chords. This is the boldest part of the piece, with fuller harmony and a stronger blues sound. The phrase then relaxes back to mezzo-forte.
Measures 21 to the end form the closing section. The music returns to a softer dynamic, slows with a ritardando, and ends quietly at pianissimo with fermatas in both hands.
The optional teacher duet adds a flowing upper accompaniment above the student part. It uses slurs, accidentals, changing dynamics, and a final ritardando to make the blues style sound more complete.
Interesting fact: The discovery activity asks the student to find a 7th, a 6th, an accidental, and a fermata in the music. These details are important because the piece is not only a blues-style performance piece, but also a lesson in recognizing musical intervals and symbols.
How to earn points for this piece:
Download or purchase the sheet music.
Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.
Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.
Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice, we will let you know what to work on and provide additional practice suggestions. You may also submit your video publicly so other users can evaluate it.
If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.
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