Illumination (Virgo)

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.

Horsin’ Around, composed by Ron Levy, is a Western-themed showcase for intermediates. This solo offers a great opportunity to work on articulations and to dynamically highlight the subtle rhythmic variations of the main theme.

Sand Dance is a quirky little piece with a slightly Arabian feel. Written by British composer Jenny Walker, it fluctuates between the tonal centers of D and E minor. It is lyrical and rhythmic, with the melody existing in the right hand.

Lion-Hearted (Leo) is a vibrant showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

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.

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.

Indian Summer, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a reflective ambient solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.

A Gentle Strength (Cancer) is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

My Kind of Joy, is a rockin’ and rollin’ spin on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” This showcase arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be enjoyed by intermediates 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.

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.

Easy Come, Easy Go is an easy ragtime-style jazz solo for late beginners that will reinforce syncopation and swing style eighths. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 songbook.

Festival, composed by Rick Robertson, is a jubilant showcase solo in five-finger C position for beginners. This piece is part of the Spectrum 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.

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.

Toccata Flamenco, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Alternating-hand passages step up and down the keyboard in a solo that will make an impression for recital or festival.