Dodge This! is a contemporary, fast-paced technical showpiece that relies on sudden dynamic shifts and chromatic agility. It evokes a cinematic urgency and is designed as a bravura display piece.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect fine finger independence within the hand.
Achieving absolute clarity in rapid passages is essential for the effectiveness of this piece.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Dodge This! is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Dodge This! lasts about 3 minutes.
Dodge This! is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Clock Tower Rag by Cameron Lee Simpson, Crystal Lightning by Cameron Lee Simpson, Black Friday Rag by Cameron Lee Simpson — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.