Phantasmagoria: Soundtrack

Waltz Divine, composed by Jenny Walker, is in the style of a grand waltz. Rubato is encouraged, especially when it comes to reaching the distance in the left hand. The opening section has a catchy and memorable theme. The quieter, second section, is brief and the first idea soon reappears to conclude the piece. This selection is ideal for late intermediates.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, combined with Faure’s haunting Pavane, Op. 50 in a lush setting for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Recordings for the Yuletide Treasures holiday songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

A substantial and captivating descriptive piano work by Jenny Walker depicting an Irish stream from its small pure beginning high in the hills gaining volume and depth as it torrents through the forest. A reel interrupts the flow as the water dances over rocks and echoes of the stream are heard as it is swallowed up by the ocean. Winner of the European Piano Composers Competition, 2014.

Meditation, from Thais by Jules Massenet, is arranged for solo piano in loving memory of my father, concert violinist Hy Shulman. I have such wonderful memories of Dad playing this piece on his violin at family gatherings. Years later, I repeatedly played a recording of Thais when I was pregnant with our son. He grew up to be an accomplished violinist himself and reminds me so much of my father! The cover photo is a self-portrait of me sitting with our son on our dock while gazing at the Milky Way.

Jazz up your holiday season with this upbeat reimagined version of the Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet. This showcase solo is ideal for late intermediates and arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

Based on the traditional English folk song and nursery rhyme, “Lavender’s Blue,” this delightful arrangement by Jenny Walker adds unexpected harmonies and key changes. The march-like 4/4 section gives a new, sombre feel which quickly gives way to a brighter, more flamboyant ending.

Serious Moonlight, composed by Ron Levy, is a contemporary lyrical solo, inspired by Claude Debussy’s Clair de lune, for intermediates and late intermediates.

Recordings for the Christmas Classics Volume 2 holiday songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

Taken Aback is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.

This exhilarating Toccata by Stacy Fahrion gives advanced pianists an opportunity to showcase their rhythmic skills. A bold hemiola-based theme in 6/8 gives this piece a dancelike rhythmic vitality. Use of the double harmonic major scale makes it sound mysterious and earthy. Ideal for conjuring up drama at Halloween recitals, or any time your students crave a dramatic and rhythmic piece. This piece is part of the “Polyrhythms for Pianists” method book.

Canon in D arranged as a contemporary lyrical showcase solo for intermediates of all ages. Music arranged by Piano Pronto author Jennifer Eklund.

J.S. Bach’s iconic Toccata & Fugue in D minor stylishly remixed by Jennifer Eklund. This arrangement is ideal for late intermediate players and up.

Theory Time Grade Eleven workbook is a college-prep comprehensive theory workbook. Concepts include: Rhythm drill, simple, compound & irregular meter, conducting patterns, major, minor, diminished & augmented intervals, triads, & inversions, chromatic & diatonic half steps, scale degree names, major/minor circle of 5ths, relative & parallel keys, major & minor scales, chromatic, whole tone & diatonic scales, 4-part writing with voice leading rules, authentic, half & plagal cadences, seventh chords, V7 resolution, transposition, melody writing, vocabulary, ear-training, and review test.

Something Wicked This Way Strides is an exuberant, late intermediate solo that evokes the Roaring Twenties. Pianists will not only train their left hand to play typical stride leaps, they’ll also learn a few tricky bits of Chopin’s <em>Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2</em>, while they’re at it!

O Little Town of Bethlehem in a peaceful setting by Paul Sweet that recalls the wondrous events of a night long ago. Rich harmonization and a gently sweeping accompaniment beautifully frame this holiday favorite.

In Harmony All Ways features nine ambient, lyrical solos by composer Debbie Center. These soothing piano reflections inspired by Minnesota’s Lake Country will provide enjoyment for intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages.

Deck the Halls sheet music medley with Deck the Halls and Swedish holiday favorite “Nu tändas tusen juleljus.” Music arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Christmas Classics Volume 2 holiday songbook.