Looking Up From the Forest Moon

Looking Up From the Forest Moon Description:

• Level: Late Intermediate, Early Advanced
• Pages: 6 pages, 3 pages of music, cover included
• Format: Instant PDF download
• Studio Licence Bonus: Cover art, “make it your own” suggestions for students
• Collections: May The Fourth

“Looking Up From the Forest Moon” is a late intermediate to early advanced piece that explores how 7th through 13th chords can create a yearning, introspective mood.  Also, it was inspired by looking at the stars through the redwoods canopy in a galaxy far, far away.

Looking Up From the Forest Moon Level:

“Looking Up From the Forest Moon” is a late intermediate to early advanced piano solo in 5/4 time.  Borrowed chords from the parallel minor mode, as well as sparse versions of 7th through 13th chords create a yearning, introspective mood to this piano solo.

• Mode: A Major (key signature)
• Time Signature: 5/4
• Concepts: Alternating beat subdivisions (3-2, 2-3), 7th through 13th chords, cross rhythms (3 over 2 and 2 over 3), ledger lines (up 4), arpeggio accompaniment, triplet chord accompaniment, arpeggiated triplet accompaniment, changing tempo, parallel intervals (3, 5, 6, 7), rubato, rolled chord, accelerando, rallentando 

This piece was inspired by a variation of a chord progression John Williams has used to create melancholy, introspective moods.  As it relies heavily on borrowed chords, there are quite a few accidentals in addition to the key signature.  But, the resulting tones are well worth it.

The smallest note is sixteenth notes.  The rhythms (including cross rhythms) create an introspective and, at times, melancholy feel to this piece.

The 5/4 time signature was fascinating to compose and created an opportunity to move between the 3 – 2 subdivision and 2 – 3 subdivision.  The goal for your student is to move between the subdivisions seamlessly.

Lastly, there are three main accompaniment patterns in this piece.  The arpeggios include notes from 7th and 9th chords.  The triplets are followed by dotted eighth and sixteenth note patterns.  And this piece ends on a gorgeous triplet arpeggios that spans four octaves, a rolled chord and final hymn-like chord.

Looking Up From the Forest Moon Bonus:

All sheet music comes with original cover art.  “Looking Up From the Forest Moon” comes with tips for your students to master the piece.

More About “May The Fourth” Collection:

“Looking Up From the Forest Moon” is part of the “May The Fourth” collection that pays homage to a classic movie saga in a galaxy far, far away.  Your late intermediate to early advanced piano students will love the different takes on various moments or places from the saga.

All piano solos in this collection are at a late intermediate through early advanced level.  Each piece includes 7th and 9th chords (and sometimes beyond) plus sections with cross rhythms.

• Time To Go: Be transported to the end of the night at a famous cantina!  This smooth jazz piece explores lush chords and interesting rhythms in 6/8 time.
• Looking Up From the Forest Moon: Look up through the canopy of redwoods to the stars beyond on this famous forest moon.  This piece explores the vulnerable, introspective side of life in 5/4 time.
• The Misplaced Trooper: Perhaps this trooper didn’t want to originally join, but this oddball march has a dark, yet sometimes playful mood.  This piece is almost entirely composed of minor chords and spans over 4 octaves on the piano.
• Trek Across the Desert Planet: Country swing creates a laid back feel as you travel across the (original) desert planet. Tranquil, mysterious, and bold, this 6/4 time piece explores different rhythm groupings and quartal chords in G minor.

What Is A Studio Licence?

When you purchase “Looking Up From the Forest Moon” you get a studio-licence PDF of the piece.  This piece is sent digitally via an email receipt.  If you have a multi-teacher studio, please contact Rosemarie directly for additional licences.  Thanks!

A studio licence is a great way to stretch your studio repertoire budget.  Purchase music once and use it for years (even decades) with students you directly teach!  For online teachers, if you share the piece during online lessons, students must print immediately and not retain an electronic copy of the piece.

For more information on your studio licence, check out the Terms and Conditions page.

If you purchase a collection you will need a program to open zip files to access all pieces within the collection.

Should I print all pages for students?

Yes!  Each page is designed with students in mind.

• Cover art
• Description, tips for students to make it their own, terms of use
• Music
• Music options to further inspire your students

Students love a bit of cover art since it can help them get into the mood and story of a piece.   I’ve included ways to adapt or play with the music so students become part of the creative process.

The terms of use are there to educate students and their families about copyright law.  We know, but they may not realize what they are innocently doing may cause you to lose your studio licence.

Lastly, having other pieces at a similar level can keep students excited about what the next song in their musical journey can be!