You Gave Me Music

Moonlight is a lyrical solo with a splash of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” throughout. This piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is ideal for intermediates and is part of the Let’s Quest Volume 3 songbook.

Intermezzo in E-Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical Romantic solo suitable for students of all ages.

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.

New Horizons is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates that is also part of the New Horizons Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Signs of the Time is a collection of twelve contemporary solos for intermediates by Lisa Donovan Lukas based on the astrological signs of the zodiac. Each piece includes a description of personality traits unique to each sign. So, what’s your sign?

Autumn Leaves, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a spirited lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Bittersweet, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate-level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. The melody features a slight rhythmic lilt, and there is an added surprise of a key change at the end. It will make an excellent recital choice for the growing performer.

Ocean, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a showcase lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Be Yourself is a contemporary lyrical solo by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This uplifting selection is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Finding Stillness is a peaceful lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

This ethereal piece by Stacy Fahrion quietly subverts the meaning of the famous poem by Lord Byron. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Sky, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the “Three Sketches in Blue” suite that is included in the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

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.

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

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.

Something Borrowed, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Impressions is a suite of contemporary lyrical solos by Jennifer Eklund that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages.

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.