Rick Robertson

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.

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.

Lyric Moments is a collection of thirteen lyrical pieces, composed by Rick Robertson, in different styles to give the performer experience in melodic shaping, tone color, and touch. Styles represented include Romantic lyricism, lush Impressionistic harmony, and even light jazz.

Reach for the Stars is a collection of elegant and evocative showcase solos for early intermediates composed by Rick Robertson. These pieces make for excellent recital or festival selections.

Souvenirs is an collection of thirteen New Age style solos for intermediates composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant and evocative solos will be enjoyed by students of all ages, especially teens and adults.

Spectrum is an ideal collection of thirteen showcase solos for advancing beginners composed by Rick Robertson. With a variety of styles and genres included, this songbook is packed with recital-ready solos that will be enjoyed by students of all ages!

Kaleidoscope is a colorful collection of showcase solos composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant solos will allow early intermediates to work on musicality and expressive playing via works that are stage-ready and appropriate for all age groups.

Kaleidoscope Volume 2 is an evocative collection of lyrical showcase solos composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant solos will allow advancing early intermediates to work on musicality and expressive playing via works that are stage-ready and appropriate for all age groups.

In his third installment of the Kaleidoscope series, composer Rick Robertson spins a web of evocative, elegant harmonies encapsulated within thirteen spectacular solos for advancing intermediates. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Christmas by Candlelight, is a collection of eighteen traditional Christmas carols in intermediate level arrangements by Rick Robertson. There is a variety of styles, keys, and moods, and all of these are suitable for church use. They are short, so the performer can create a group of their favorites for performance, rather than concentrating on longer, more difficult arrangements. Rich harmonies and interesting musical twists should make these a hit with developing pianists.

Christmas Memories, features thirteen elegant arrangements of holiday favorites composed by Rick Robertson. This collection of lyrical solos will bring joy to the season for advancing intermediates of all ages.

Daydreams, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. A simple theme with a light accompaniment pattern “off the beat” is interrupted with a more animated second theme, returning to the first theme. This piece is suitable for recital or festival use.

Flute Song, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. This is similar to his “Intermezzos,” but shorter and less difficult. It is inspired by the flute playing of a classmate from his college years, one who he accompanied frequently. This piece is very useful as a short lyrical piece for a recital, festival, worship service, or even a wedding ceremony,

Linguine Tarantella, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo. Written in the style of the Neapolitan Tarantella, its exciting dynamic changes and a cascade of flying octaves at the end will make this a showstopper for recital or festival.

Creepy Crawly Icky Things by Rick Robertson is an early intermediate level showcase solo. This piece is especially useful as a “spooky” or “creepy” solo for Halloween recitals, but it could be used in any other non-seasonal program. The “crawly” figures divided between the hand feature chromatic passage and unfamiliar note patterns.

Yeti or Not, Here I Come!, by Rick Robertson, is a late elementary level showcase solo. This piece is especially useful as a “spooky” or “scary” solo for Halloween recitals (it depicts a game of “Hide and Seek” with Bigfoot), but it could be used in any other non-seasonal program.

March of the Mayonnaise Jars, featuring words and music by Rick Robertson is an early intermediate level showcase solo in a march style. Its dynamic scheme depicts the marching jars as they approach in parade formation, then pass the onlookers. The crisp parallel chord writing gives it a slightly “sarcastic” modern flair, like Milhaud or Prokofiev.

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

Prologue, by Rick Robertson, is a peaceful early intermediate level lyrical solo. This piece makes for a great offertory selection that is easily sight-readable. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

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.

Intermezzo in E, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It is written in a style that is similar to Brahms, but simpler and more hand-friendly. This would make an excellent recital or festival solo, and could be used as wedding or service music.

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.

The Ocean’s Fury, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate to late intermediate showcase solo. Written in the style of a “concert etude,” a section of rapid alternating-hand passages contrasts with a more lyrical center section. This piece has the added benefit of being less difficult than it looks or sounds, and should be a “hit” for recitals and festivals.

Wistfully, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It is written in a “romantic movie” style, and will make a nice brief recital solo, or as a musical interlude in a worship service.