Double Takes

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Rockin’ the Classics is a collection of ten pop, rock, and jazz inspired arrangements of well-known classical favorites by Chrissy Ricker. These fun and flashy intermediate level solos will excite students of all ages!

Moose on the Loose is a jazzy showcase piano solo by Lisa Frederick. This delightful hard-romping swing solo is an ideal spotlight piece for late-intermediates of all ages.

This fun ragtime piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a playful nod to Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” A perfect early intermediate showcase solo for Halloween, or any time of year!

New Kid on the Block is a jazz-style showcase solo perfect for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and is part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 and Dog Days Songbooks.

Boogie-Man Blues is a jazzy jaunt in A minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. This swinging showcase solo is ideal for intermediates.

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

Doggone Blues is a bluesy showcase solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. This piece is ideal for late beginners and early intermediates of all ages!

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.

Journeys is an engaging collection of twelve contemporary solos by Lisa Donovan Lukas featuring an array of tonal centers and styles. These selections are ideal showcase pieces for intermediates of all ages.

Rock On! Volume 3 features ten showcase-style pop, rock, and blues solos composed by Chrissy Ricker. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

The highly-anticipated follow up in Chrissy Ricker’s Rock On series is here! This collection of nine pop & rock showcase solos will delight intermediates of all ages in your studio.

Chromatic Rag, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is an exciting cacophony of contrary motion chromatic scales, tamed into a jaunty pastiche of Joplin. It is based on popular left-hand patterns, interspersed with symmetrical chromatic runs, and therefore suitable for an intermediate player.

Who doesn’t love gummy bears? Gummy Bear Shuffle, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a playful shuffle style. Its bouncy rhythms make it fun to listen to and play. It also could be used as a “non-scary” Halloween piece, or for any performance occasion.