Hangin’ Tough (Taurus)

Two Sides (Gemini) is a rhapsodic showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

A modern mellow spin on the third movement of the Spring concerto from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This multi-level pack includes four different versions (late beginner through advanced) and provides ample opportunity for developing pianists to work on lyrical artistry and interpretation.

Opening Day, composed by Ron Levy, is an uplifting easy showcase solo ideal for late beginners and early intermediates of all ages!

Happy-Go-Lucky (Sagittarius) is an elegant, lilting waltz for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

Circle of Friends, by Rick Robertson, is a two-volume collection containing a total of 24 character pieces for piano in each of the major and minor keys (minus enharmonic equivalents), in a manner similar to the Prelude sets by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the like. The sequence as published is arranged in a rough order of difficulty, allowing for convenience in page turns here and there.

The title alludes as well to the familiar “Circle of Keys’. As for “friends”, each piece is dedicated to a close friend, colleague, or student. A few pieces in Volume One are at the early intermediate level, while Volume Two is solidly at the intermediate level with a steady trajectory of more demanding musical concepts.

Argument, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level showcase solo. It is the perfect aggressive piece for the angst-ridden player, with polychords and a brief volley of tone clusters.

Warrior is an energetic showcase solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will please intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

Have video game lovers in your studio? Of course you do! Let’s Quest Volume 4 is a collection of eight video game inspired showcase solos and two evenly-leveled duets composed by Chrissy Ricker, that will delight intermediates of all ages in your studio!

To a Wild Rose, from Edward MacDowell’s Woodland Sketches, arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece of part of the Piano Pronto Movement 4 method book.

May is a late intermediate pop-style solo with a broken chord accompaniment and singing contemporary melodic line. 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.

Adrenaline is a fast and flashy minor-key solo composed by Chrisanne Nahum. This showcase solo is ideally suited for intermediates and is a great choice for students who love to play up-tempo selections.

Tappin’ Tango by Jane Tate is an intermediate showcase solo which will have your student ready to dance their fingers on the keyboard! This would be a great addition to a recital or performance.

Metamorphosis, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Five-Speed! by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a rhythmic contemporary style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

Hold On is a lyrical pop solo ideal for intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Prelude in E Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo in a neo-Baroque style. It is written in the style of Bach’s organ works as transcribed for piano by Ferruccio Busoni, and would make a good program opener for a developing pianist. Its minor key and somber sound also makes it suitable as a Halloween selection.