A Gentle Strength (Cancer)

June is a dramatic solo for later intermediate pianists. The mysterious setting evokes the mood of a summer storm with tumultuous wind. Crashing pops of lightning punctuate the primary theme while arpeggiated flourishes mimic the downpour of sudden rain. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

August is a new age piano solo, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien NCTM, for intermediate and late intermediate pianists. The pedagogical focus of this selection is small hand accessibility. The waltz-time setting and straight eighths are ideal for helping players achieve a fluid technique and a sense of forward motion. The melodic content is “hidden” within the right hand eighths and gives ample opportunity for developing sophisticated voicing.

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).

Fields of Joy, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an uplifting lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

Summer Skies, composed by Ron Levy, is a lyrical pop ballad for intermediates. Its beautiful melody with flowing accompaniment will please performers and listeners alike.

August Sun, composed by Rick Robertson, is an upbeat lyrical solo for intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Sun Suite, by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick, is a set of three contemporary lyrical solos celebrating the beauty of the sun at different points of the day. This set is ideal for intermediates of all ages and will function well as a set or as separate showcase solos.

Summer Sunset, composed by Sara Tomlinson, reflects an ending of something beautiful. The melody swirls throughout the piece as rich layers are added through arpeggios in the left hand. This lyrical solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Summer Evening, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a light-jazz lyrical style. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and makes an excellent performance choice.

Lazy Afternoon by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate-level lyrical solo. The flowing style and ease will appeal to pianists of all ages.

Wanting is a minor-key lyrical showcase solo composed by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is ideal for intermediates and is part of the Rock On Volume 2 songbook.

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.

In the Groove is a fun-filled collection of thirteen showcase solos composed by Lisa Frederick. Ideally suited for early intermediates and beyond, these engaging pieces cover a wide variety of genres including jazz, blues, lyrical, boogie-woogie, and more!

When You Smile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a lyrical light-pop or jazz style. It is dedicated to jazz singer Dubby Spivak, widow of the American bandleader Charlie Spivak, who is a friend of the composer.

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.

Scenic Route is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for early intermediates and up of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Interlude, by Rick Robertson, is a peaceful and pensive minor-key solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.