“Blue Etude” is a Level 5 lesson piece titled “Inversion Study in F.” It is written in 6/8 time and marked “Moderately.” The piece is built around the main chords in F major: tonic, subdominant, and dominant. Instead of a long melody, the music focuses on blocked chord patterns, inversions, bass movement, pedal, and Roman numeral analysis. The result is a short harmony study that helps the student connect chord names, chord positions, and keyboard geography.

Measures 1–2 introduce the opening chord pattern in F major. The right hand plays repeated blocked chords while the left hand supports with bass notes and fuller chord tones. The boxes in the score ask the student to write the chord names and Roman numerals.

Measures 3–5 continue the inversion study with new chord positions. The same steady 6/8 rhythm continues, but the harmony changes through the important chords of the key. The left hand uses lower bass notes and blocked chord support while the right hand keeps the repeated chord motion.

Measures 6–8 form the closing section. The pattern continues through the final chord changes, then slows with a ritardando. The ending includes a tied left-hand chord and a final low F marked 8va, giving the short study a deeper final sound.

The bottom of the page includes a “Grand Cadence in F.” This extra exercise shows the basic cadence pattern using Roman numerals: I, IV, I, V, I. The discovery activity also asks the student to play the cadence using an Alberti bass in the left hand while the right hand plays blocked chords.

Interesting fact: This etude is not just a piece to play; it is also a written harmony activity. The student must identify chord names and Roman numerals directly in the score.