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.

Moonlight Sonata piano solo arrangement for intermediates that retains the original key of C-sharp minor but adjusts some of the large stretches. Music arranged by Jennifer Eklund and includes music history pages.

Isolation was written in early 2020 by Stacy Fahrion. This expressive intermediate piece begins and ends in 5/4, and features palindromic rhythms (rhythms that are the same backwards and forwards) and a gentle two against three polyrhythm in the middle section.

Skedaddle Rag by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a Ragtime style. It has major “hit potential” as a recital or festival selection.

Intermezzo in E-Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical Romantic solo suitable for students of all ages.

Daydream, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Nuances songbook.

How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, a traditional British carol, arranged in a lyrical setting for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Kum-ba-yah, is a beloved African-American folk hymn. This arrangement by Rick Robertson is given a “variation” treatment at the intermediate level suitable for recital, Black History presentations, or worship services.

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.

Endearing Irish Charms, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, is a medley of two familiar Irish tunes “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

Dreamweaver is a collection of fourteen contemporary lyrical solos composed by Jennifer Eklund for intermediates and above. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

UPDATE: The e-book edition of this songbook was updated in September of 2024 with new engravings and some minor corrections to courtesy accidentals and rhythmic notations.

The Entertainer, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for early intermediates Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

A Mostly Minor Christmas, is a quirky late intermediate collection by Stacy Fahrion that contains some familiar carols arranged in unfamiliar ways, such as Deck the Halls, in 7/8, and Mambo All the Way, a minor-key mambo version of Jingle Bells. There are a couple of jazzy tunes with silly lyrics, including Gloomy Old St. Nick, and O Spider Tree. Finally, there are several soaring lyrical carols in mostly minor keys. The only piece in this collection that’s in a major key is a subtly reharmonized version of Silent Night.

Roker Park Rag is a jaunty, early intermediate piano solo by British composer Joanne Griffiths. It is a fun character piece with chromaticism, staccato octave jumps, and lots of opportunity for comedic expression.

Be Yourself is a contemporary lyrical solo by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This uplifting selection is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

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.

Tango in D, composed by Jenny Walker, starts with a typical tango introduction followed by a precise, rhythmic accompaniment with a sustained melody taken by the upper right hand. The piece contains a certain cheeky-feel combined with the passion of a tango. This selection is ideal for intermediates.

Christmas Classics Volume 2 is a collection of traditional holiday classics arranged in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund.