The Sliding Thumbs Rag

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.

The Entertainer, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for early intermediates Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for early intermediates of all ages.

The Entertainer, Scott Joplin’s iconic ragtime tune, arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of Piano Pronto: Movement 3 and includes a teacher duet part.

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

This is a lyrical piano ballad in waltz time for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melody is made almost entirely of ascending and descending pentascales (5-note scales) on white keys. The accompaniment for left hand requires a hand span primarily of melodic octaves with an occasional melodic tenth. The ternary form features a middle section with surprising harmonies and a deceptive cadence. Middle and high school students will find this piece both accessible and rewarding.

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.

Sky Castles, by Lisa Donovan Lukas, is a delightful, upbeat, lyrical showcase piece for the early intermediate pianist.

Cosmic Mystery, composed by Rick Robertson, is an ambient solo that can also be performed effectively on an electronic keyboard.

Winter Walk by Jane Tate is a peaceful solo that would be suited to the early to middle intermediate player of any age. It will be a charming addition to any recital or performance opportunity.

Moonlight Sonata multi-pack features three high-quality solo arrangements by Jennifer Eklund: one for late beginners, one intermediate version in E minor, and an intermediate version in the original key of C-sharp minor. Music history lesson pages included!

Viva Mexico, composed by Barbara Becker, is a suite of showcase solos for early intermediates and up. These delightful pieces, full of character and lush harmonies will brighten your next recital or festival performance!

Contentment, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical solo for early intermediates with a mature sound. Long pedal effects add to the atmosphere.

Sonatina is a charming three-movement classical composition by Barbara Becker. This piece is ideal for early intermediates of all ages.

Debbie Center’s exciting ragtime piece which came to her in a dream about fun times with her family on her Minnesota lake, Fifth Crow Wing. This playful, upbeat showcase will delight intermediates of all ages.

Whip-poor-will Dance is a slow ragtime-style solo written in 1921 by Joe Jordan and featured in Season 2 of the HBO® series “Boardwalk Empire.” This simplified elegant arrangement by Jennifer Eklund is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Boston Lettuce is a bossa nova style solo composed by Ron Levy. This piece is a great introduction to Latin-style rhythms and well suited for early intermediates of all ages. Make sure to check out the lecture-demo video included in this listing. This solo is part of the Jazz Salad songbook.

The Easy Winners, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.