Scenes from the City

Mood Swings is an evocative collection of twelve character pieces composed by Jenny Walker. These contemporary solos for late-intermediate and advanced pianists provide a delightful landscape of harmonies and contemporary stylings that span a variety of genres.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

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

Disjointed Waltz, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative waltz with a few surprises. It contains some dynamic time and key changes. It has been written with the advanced player in mind, though rubato could be used to make things easier. The changeover to 6/8 works well and the syncopated rhythms are very effective.

Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.

Tarantellas are always a student favorite, and this spritely one, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is sure to make your intermediate students shine! This is a great piece to work on quick transitions between open and closed hand positions.

Toccata Staccata, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato parallel chords with a hint of Latin flavor give the advancing performer an exciting showpiece.

The Ocean’s Fury, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate to late intermediate showcase solo. Written in the style of a “concert etude,” a section of rapid alternating-hand passages contrasts with a more lyrical center section. This piece has the added benefit of being less difficult than it looks or sounds, and should be a “hit” for recitals and festivals.

Pernicious Pumpkin is a whimsically macabre concoction of nursery rhymes by Stacy Fahrion. This eclectic, minor-key gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

Valse Parisienne is a lyrical piano solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. Inspired by Chopin’s Waltz in B minor, this waltz is ideal for intermediates of all ages and a great way to introduce the concept of rubato.

Toccata Lyrica, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a flashy, but lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent recital or festival choice for a developing pianist.

Space Waltz, composed by Ron Levy, is a delightful showcase solo for intermediates. This cinematic-style solo will serve as a great performance piece for recitals.

Tricks & Treats features eleven Halloween-themed showcase solos composed by Stacy Fahrion. Full of quirky harmonies, odd meters, and playful takes on folk melodies, these pieces will be a treat for intermediates of all ages at any time of the year!

Argument, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level showcase solo. It is the perfect aggressive piece for the angst-ridden player, with polychords and a brief volley of tone clusters.

Inner Turmoil is a fury-filled, fast and flashy advanced showcase piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Perfect for teens looking for an impressive spotlight solo for their next performance.

Potpourri is an imaginative collection of ten showcase solos composed by Barbara Becker. Full of evocative harmonies and a variety of genres, this is a songbook intermediates of all ages will enjoy growing with.

With its catchy rhythmic drive and harmonic twists, Tango Twist, composed by Jenny Walker is a joy to play, a pleasure to listen to and a real showcase piece for adventurous students and teachers alike.