Description:
“Moon River - Playtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 16-17” is classified as a Level 1 Piano work worth 69 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 1 - Playtime Jazz And Blues and is part of the 1900’s - Present collection. The sheet music for “Moon River - Playtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 16-17” 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.
“Moon River - Playtime Jazz And Blues - Pg. 16–17” is a two-page beginner piano arrangement of the song from the Paramount film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, with music by Henry Mancini and words by Johnny Mercer. The music is marked Slowly and written in 3/4, giving it a gentle, waltz-like flow. The student part uses lyrics, finger numbers, long slurs, simple two-hand coordination, and a soft singing melody. A teacher duet part is included below the student part, and the score notes that the student plays one octave higher when performed with the duet.
Measures 1–8 introduce the opening phrase, “Moon River, wider than a mile.” The student melody begins at mf and moves slowly through long note values, while the left hand adds only a few low supporting notes. The long slurs help the melody sound smooth and connected.
Measures 9–16 continue with “Old dream maker, you heartbreaker, wherever you’re goin’, I’m goin’ your way.” The melody moves between simple right-hand notes and low left-hand support, keeping the texture very open. The phrase stays gentle and lyrical, matching the relaxed character of the song.
Measures 17–24 begin the second large phrase with “Two drifters, off to see the world.” The melody continues in the same slow, singing style, with the left hand adding quiet bass notes underneath. The long held notes give this section a calm, floating feeling.
Measures 25–end complete the student part with “We’re after the same rainbow’s end” and “Moon River and me.” The melody settles gradually toward the final chord, ending softly at p. The simple closing keeps the dreamy mood of the song intact.
The teacher duet adds a fuller background underneath the student melody. It uses flowing broken figures, low bass notes, pedal markings, crescendos, and soft dynamics to create a richer accompaniment while the student part remains easy and clear.
Interesting fact: “Moon River” was written for the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s and was sung in the movie by Audrey Hepburn. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became one of Henry Mancini’s most famous melodies.
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 exactly what you need to work on along with additional practice suggestions.
(Or you can submit a video to the public and other users will evaluate your video)
If your performance is good, we will approve your video and you can collect your points.
Submit Video