American Banjo Waltz

Samuel Swain Stewart

RomanticObscurewaltzC majorAllegretto3/4~3 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 4ABRSM 3

About this piece

Samuel Swain Stewart was a famous banjo manufacturer, and this waltz represents the crossover between popular banjo repertoire and piano salon arrangements. It is distinctive for its syncopated figures adapted from folk-style picking patterns.

Teacher notes

Focus on the crispness of the waltz rhythm and ensuring the syncopations feel effortless rather than forced.

Technical focus

waltz-rhythmarticulationfinger-independence

Mood

playfulenergetic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to American Banjo Waltz

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 3 pieces (Late beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is American Banjo Waltz by Samuel Swain Stewart?

American Banjo Waltz is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.

What level do I need to play American Banjo Waltz?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 3 — meaning you can already play level 2–3 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is American Banjo Waltz?

A typical performance of American Banjo Waltz lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for American Banjo Waltz?

American Banjo Waltz is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to American Banjo Waltz?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, Waltz in D-flat major, No. 1 by Frédéric Chopin, 12 Variations on 'Ah vous dirai-je, Maman' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.