The Piano Playin' Chocolate Eater's Blues - Level 3a/3b Funtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 18-19

1900’s - Present

Difficulty Level: 3

(2,000 Points)

Description:

“The Piano Playin' Chocolate Eater's Blues - Level 3a/3b Funtime Jazz and Blues - pg. 18-19” is classified as a Level 3 Piano work worth 2,000 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 3a/3b - Funtime Jazz and Blues and is part of the 1900’s - Present collection. The sheet music for “The Piano Playin' Chocolate Eater's Blues - Level 3a/3b Funtime 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.

“The Piano Playin’ Chocolate Eater’s Blues” is a blues-style piano piece with lyrics by Jennifer MacLean and music by Nancy Faber. It is written in 4/4 time and marked “Moderate blues swing.” The music uses a swung eighth-note feel, triplets, syncopated rhythms, chromatic notes, bluesy accidentals, dynamic contrasts, repeated chord patterns, first and second endings, and a humorous final tremolo effect.

Measures 1–4 introduce the blues character. The right hand carries the opening vocal-style melody, while the left hand answers with short bass notes and chromatic movement. The printed lyrics give two verse options, beginning with “I’ve got chocolate, it’s all mine” and “Don’t like spinach, I have found.”

Measures 5–10 continue the verse material. The melody uses repeated blues-style shapes, triplet figures, rests, and tied notes. The left hand supports the line with low notes and small chromatic motions, keeping the sound playful and slightly jazzy.

Measures 11–20 move into the main title section. The texture becomes fuller, with repeated right-hand chord patterns on “The Piano Playin’ Chocolate Eater’s Blues.” The left hand adds steady bass support, and the music grows stronger at forte. First and second endings help shape the repeated chorus.

Measures 22 to the end form the closing section. The dynamic drops to mezzo-piano for “I ate so much chocolate,” then grows through a crescendo. The final measures use tied notes, a loud final sound, and a tremolo that continues until the performer can “unstick” the fingers.

Interesting fact: The ending turns the joke of the piece into a piano effect. The performer plays a final tremolo while the score says to continue until the fingers can be “unstuck,” matching the lyrics about eating too much chocolate.

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.
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  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.