Novela - Level 3a Lesson - pg. 61

1900’s - Present

Difficulty Level: 2

(600 Points)

Description:

“Novela - Level 3a Lesson - pg. 61” is classified as a Level 2 Piano work worth 600 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 3a - Lesson and is part of the 1900’s - Present collection. The sheet music for “Novela - Level 3a Lesson - pg. 61” 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.

“Novela - Level 3A Lesson - pg. 61” is a one-page lesson-book repertoire piece by Nancy Faber. The page explains that the accompaniment is based on one-octave arpeggios, with the left hand using a quarter rest to prepare each new arpeggio. The music is marked Andante, with a tempo range of quarter note = 80–92, and the title note explains that “novela” is the Spanish word for “a little story.” The result is a short, expressive teaching piece that combines melody, arpeggiated accompaniment, phrase shaping, and major/minor listening.

Measures 1–4 introduce the main texture. The right hand plays a long, smooth melody above the left hand’s one-octave arpeggio pattern. The left hand begins each arpeggio after a rest, giving the student time to prepare the hand position before moving through the broken chord.

Measures 5–8 continue the same melody-and-arpeggio design. The right hand repeats the long lyrical phrase shape, while the left hand continues the prepared arpeggio pattern underneath. The dynamic remains very soft during the repeat, with the score indicating mp to pp for the entire repeated opening.

Measures 9–12 bring the melody back with a stronger sound. The right hand keeps the same broad phrase style, while the left hand continues the one-octave arpeggios. The mezzo forte marking gives this section more presence than the opening, making it feel like the story is becoming clearer or more confident.

Measures 13–16 close the piece with a final phrase and first/second ending. The left hand continues the arpeggio pattern, including a raised note in the bass line, while the right hand finishes the melody with longer held notes. The second ending closes quietly with a final piano chord, giving the little story a simple and gentle ending.

Interesting fact: The word “novela” means “a little story” in Spanish, and this piece teaches students how accompaniment can help tell that story. The left-hand arpeggios create a quiet background while the right-hand melody carries the main narrative line, making the page useful for learning expressive playing, not just note reading.

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.