A Mixed-Up Song - Level 1 Lesson - pg. 30-31

1900’s - Present

Difficulty Level: 0

(38 Points)

Description:

“A Mixed-Up Song - Level 1 Lesson - pg. 30-31” is classified as a Level 0 Piano work worth 38 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Faber Piano Adventures → Level 1 - Lesson and is part of the 1900’s - Present collection. The sheet music for “A Mixed-Up Song - Level 1 Lesson - pg. 30-31” 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.

“A Mixed-Up Song - Level 1 Lesson - pg. 30-31” is a Level 1 method-book repertoire piece built around reading and playing 4ths. The lesson page first explains that a 4th spans four letter names, then the piece uses a humorous “mixed-up” text to help students connect the sound and spacing of 4ths with written notes on the staff. It is not a lead sheet or improvisation page; it is a written lesson-book performance piece with specific notes, rhythm, fingering, and reading goals.

Measures 1–4 introduce the basic musical pattern before the lyrics begin. The hands play simple intervals and long notes, helping the student feel the spacing of 4ths and the steady 4/4 pulse. The medium-loud dynamic gives the opening a clear, confident sound.

Measures 5–12 present the first verse: “Once there was a small man, thought he was a tall man, ’cause he saw his shadow stretching far and long.” The melody moves in simple steps and intervals, while the written finger numbers guide the student through the hand positions. The held note under the instruction “Hold this note longer than usual” reinforces careful reading and control.

Measures 13–16 repeat the opening pattern without lyrics. This short instrumental return gives students another chance to play the same interval-based material cleanly before the second verse begins.

Measures 17–24 present the second verse with the joke reversed: “Once there was a tall man, thought he was a small man, ’cause he saw his shadow short and very wide.” The musical pattern mirrors the earlier verse, but the text changes the meaning, making the piece memorable while still focusing on reading accuracy and 4th relationships.

Measures 25–28 close the piece with a final instrumental ending. The hands return to the same simple interval and chord-like shapes, ending with a stronger final sound after the short comic story is complete.

Interesting fact: Method-book pieces like this often combine a new theory concept with a silly lyric because young students remember patterns better when the music has a clear joke, image, or story attached. Here, the “mixed-up” shadow text reinforces the lesson’s focus on spacing, direction, and interval 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.