The In Between

First Flower, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a great exercise to introduce students to shifting meters and rubato. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

Emerald Gem, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a haunting melody. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

This piece was inspired by a breathtaking midnight kayak ride on our lake in northern Minnesota. It was my birthday, and the water was completely still, beautifully reflecting every star as well as the rising Super Moon.

Chopin’s iconic Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1, remixed in a modern lyrical spin by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow abridged version is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Goldeneyes’ Farewell is a gorgeous impressionistic tribute to ten migrating Goldeneye ducks that Debbie Center photographed in front of her Minnesota lake home. Ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Alone, but Not Lonely by Rick Robertson is an intermediate-level lyrical solo. This contemplative showcase will appeal to pianists of all ages.

In Harmony All Ways, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Ruby Skies is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo, for intermediates and beyond, composed by Jennifer Eklund. This solo makes for a lovely recital selection or as music in church services. This piece is part of the “Sounds of the Spirit” songbook.

Three Eagles’ Spirit, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Cheaha Skyline, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical piano solo, written in homage to his home state of Alabama. Cheaha Mountain, at 2,413 feet, is the highest point in Alabama.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version, transposed to the key of D minor, is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Lika’s Lullaby is a pensive, contemplative lyrical solo composed by Debbie Center. Full of rich harmonies and a lilting melody this piece is ideal for intermediates to work on rubato and expressive playing.

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.