Poor Butterfly

by John Golden / Vincent Hubbell

Elementary(25/100)Sight Reading: Grade 32:09

Free piano sheet music for Poor Butterfly by John Golden / Vincent Hubbell. Elementary level piece suitable for students who've completed beginner method books.

Sheet music preview for Poor Butterfly

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About This Piece

"Poor Butterfly" by John Golden / Vincent Hubbell is an elementary-level piano piece with a duration of approximately 2:09. An elementary-level piece suitable for developing pianists. Introduces more varied rhythms, basic chord patterns, and expanded hand positions while remaining accessible. This arrangement is ideal for pianists with 1-2 years of experience. John Golden / Vincent Hubbell's composition showcases eighth notes and dotted rhythms and key signatures up to 2 sharps/flats, making it an excellent choice for developing these essential skills.

Poor Butterfly is a jazz standard that captures the essence of longing and unrequited love. Written in 1916 by John Golden and Vincent Hubbell, it has been performed by numerous artists over the decades. The piece features a beautiful melody that evokes deep emotions.

Skill Level: Elementary

Who This Is For

  • Students who've completed beginner method books
  • Pianists comfortable with basic music reading
  • Those ready for slightly more complex pieces

Experience Needed

Level:Elementary
Experience:1-2 years
Duration:2:09

What You'll Learn

Technical Skills

  • Hand position shifts
  • Basic chord shapes
  • Eighth note patterns
  • Simple pedaling
  • Two-hand coordination

Musical Concepts

  • Eighth notes and dotted rhythms
  • Key signatures up to 2 sharps/flats
  • Basic dynamics and crescendo/diminuendo
  • Simple phrase shaping

Learning Timeline

2-3 weeks with regular practice
To Learn
20-40 minutes daily
Practice Time
4-6 weeks to performance-ready
To Master

Practice Tips

  • 1Identify difficult passages and practice them separately
  • 2Work on smooth hand position transitions
  • 3Pay attention to dynamic markings
  • 4Practice with and without pedal

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