Big Boy

James F. Hanley

ModernObscureromanceC majorModerato4/4~3 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 3ABRSM 3

About this piece

James F. Hanley's composition is a classic example of American popular music from the 1920s. Its charm lies in the simplicity of the melody and its evocative harmonic resolution.

Teacher notes

Pay close attention to the phrasing of the long, lyrical lines.

Technical focus

cantabilepedalingleft-hand-independence

Mood

nostalgictender

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Big Boy

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 Big Boy by James F. Hanley?

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

What level do I need to play Big Boy?

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 Big Boy?

A typical performance of Big Boy lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Big Boy?

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

What pieces are similar to Big Boy?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Für Elise by Ludwig van Beethoven, Berceuse by Rudolf Friml, Albumblatt by Richard Wagner — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.