Description:

“Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree - Playtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 18-19” is classified as a Level 1 Piano work worth 52 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 “Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree - Playtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 18-19” 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.

“Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” is an early-level piano arrangement of the popular swing-era song by Lew Brown, Sam H. Stept, and Charlie Tobias. It is written in 4/4 time and marked “Brightly.” The student part uses a simple melody, repeated lyric phrases, short left-hand bass notes, slurs, dynamic changes, repeat signs, and first and second endings. The music has a cheerful jazz-style character while staying in a beginner-friendly texture.

Measures 1–8 introduce the main song phrase. The right hand carries the melody while the left hand adds short bass notes and simple chord tones. The printed lyrics show two different text lines under the same melody, giving the section a repeated verse-like structure.

Measures 9–12 begin the contrasting phrase. The melody moves into the “No! No! No!” response, then changes to the “Just remember” line at mezzo-forte. This section has a slightly stronger character than the opening phrase.

Measures 13 to the endings form the closing section. The music changes to forte for the “You’re my L-O-V-E” phrase, then moves through a first ending that repeats back and a second ending that closes the piece with accented notes.

The optional teacher duet adds a fuller jazz-style accompaniment underneath the student part. It uses bass motion, chordal answers, slurs, and a wider register to make the short student melody sound more complete.

Interesting fact: “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree” was first connected to the 1939 Broadway musical Yokel Boy under the earlier title “Anywhere the Bluebird Goes.” It later became especially popular during World War II through recordings by Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.

How to earn points for this piece:

1. Download or purchase the sheet music.

2. Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.

3. Record yourself on video and upload it to YouTube. Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay.

4. 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.

5. If your performance is approved, your video will be accepted and you can collect your points.