Fifth Crow Rag

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.

The Entertainer, Scott Joplin’s iconic ragtime tune, arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of Piano Pronto: Movement 3 and includes a teacher duet part.

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.

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen arranged in a lyrical contemporary style for intermediates. Part of Christmas Classics Volume 1 songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

Impressions is a suite of contemporary lyrical solos by Jennifer Eklund that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages.

The Easy Winners, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Elite Syncopations by Scott Joplin arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

In a Canoe, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate level lyrical solo. Its swaying rhythm suggests the rowing of the oarsman (or oarswoman).

I Surrender All, in a poignant setting, arranged by Kevin Costley. This solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

With an accompaniment inspired by the slow movement of Chopin’s Third Sonata, Ron Levy has composed a meditative piano solo with an enchanting melody in a stately setting. This intermediate level composition focuses on building and sustaining a long lyrical line over a steady, supportive left hand.

The Sliding Thumbs Rag, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is an upbeat ragtime-style solo for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Musical Mosaics songbook.

Breaking Free is a fast, lyrical contemporary showcase solo for intermediates of all ages that is also part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Toccata Rag by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level ragtime showcase solo. It is based on J.S. Bach’s famous Toccata in D Minor for organ. This has the potential to “bring down the house” on a recital program, and could also serve as a light-hearted addition to a Halloween program, or even an “encore”.

Chopin’s iconic Fantaisie Impromptu, arranged in a contemporary lyrical style by Jennifer Eklund. This solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

Brand New Day is a collection of twelve elegant intermediate and late-intermediate contemporary solos by Ryan Chesser. This go-to songbook will appeal to both amateur and professional pianists with works that will suit a variety of occasions and settings.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for early intermediates of all ages.

Sleeping Beauty Waltz, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Lisa Donovan Lukas for solo piano, is a delightful, lyrical showcase piece for the intermediate pianist.