Gold Rush Rags

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

Double Takes is a set of seven pairs of Rags and Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, and inspired by J.S.Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Each pair is a study in contrasting styles, mood, rhythm, tempo, articulation, dynamic range and textures.

The collection progresses up the keyboard, through a range of keys beginning on C and ending with B, and covers many pedagogical techniques for an intermediate pianist whilst still remaining engaging and fun.

Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.

Takin’ it Easy, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a jazz-shuffle style. It is fun to play, fits well under the hands, and will make a splash on any recital program.

Midnight on the Bayou is a bluesy minor-key solo composed by Chrissy Ricker. This showcase piece, part of the Perfect Patterns PLUS songbook, is suitable for intermediates of all ages and a great exercise in left-hand leaps.

Take It Easy, is a smooth jazz solo composed by Joanne Griffiths full of lush harmonies and a lilting rhythmic flow. This piece is part of the Double Takes songbook that features progressive pairs of jazz, rags, and blues-inspired solos.

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.

Too Much Sugar Blues is a lethargic jazzy tune about eating too much candy composed by Stacy Fahrion. This blues showcase solo is ideal for intermediates.

Cruisin’ is a laid back jazz-waltz solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Ready for a lazy ride in a cool car? This is your ticket to ride!

The Very Blue Danube, is an intermediate level jazzy remix of the famous Strauss waltz arranged by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Rockin’ the Classics songbook.

Mambo a la Mozart is a Latin-style remix of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 arranged as a solo for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Chromo Rag, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is fast & flashy ragtime solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Musical Mosaics Volume 2 songbook.

This is the first “Whimsically Macabre” composition Stacy Fahrion wrote, back in 2012. It begins with a quote from Chopin’s Winter Wind Etude, then segues into hints of a slightly menacing version of Do You Know the Muffin Man.

Nice Little Monster is a bluesy piece by Stacy Fahrion about a creature that is tired of being called a little monster. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Crocodile Tears, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an upbeat bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Grandpa’s Gramophone, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate ragtime solo that evokes the sound of dance bands of the early 1920s.

Tweedledum & Tweedledee, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a whimsically macabre bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Once Upon a Time songbook.

Spiderwebs Above Your Bed is a whimsically macabre ragtime solo in D minor by Stacy Fahrion that’s tailor-made for Halloween recitals! The delicate, eerie opening quickly spins into the main spiderweb theme, complete with spine-tingling arpeggios. Perfect for intermediate pianists, this piece isn’t just fun—it’s also a sneaky way to prep students for tackling Joplin’s iconic rags.