A Gentle Strength (Cancer)

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.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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

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).

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.

Moonlight Nocturne is a haunting intermediate lyrical solo composed by Lisa Shoemaker. This elegant work is ideal for students who love to play with passion and a touch of drama!

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

May You Find Your Peace, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. The composer aimed to write a solo with a peaceful, soothing mood for times when a pianist just needs to be “alone with their instrument.” Although it is “very personal,” it is suitable to be shared in a worship service or a recital.

Love Is the Journey, is an uplifting lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas for intermediates. This pop-style solo includes lyrics and chord symbols providing a great opportunity for students to practice accompanying themselves as they sing along. This piece is part of the Sky Castles songbook.

Intermezzo in B, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a maturing pianist. It gives the growing performer experience in a less-frequently encountered key, and could be used as wedding or service music as well.

Waiting Is…, composed by Ron Levy, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediate and beyond. This peaceful solo serves as a great exercise for players to explore rubato and lyrical phrasing.

Remember When is solo by Sara Tomlinson featuring warm, rich harmonies and a tender melody. The middle section features arpeggiated figures and melodic flourishes, expanding on the original theme. The piece concludes with a fond return of the A section in simplified form.

Ebb & Flow is a collection of eleven contemporary solos by British composer, Joanne Griffiths. Intermediates of all ages will enjoy exploring the various genres encapsulated in this collection of ambient solos.