Fall Colors

Misty Morning is a Satie-esque, reflective solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for early intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Dark Waters, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is a haunting lyrical waltz for early intermediates and up.

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.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

By the River, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. Its gentle rocking in the left-hand accompaniment suggests the gentle flow of a river. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist and could also be used as service music.

Emerald Gem, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a haunting melody. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

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

Above the Clouds, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. Its flowing passages inspired the title, and the piece is similar to a lyrical etude. Students will enjoy playing the highly-patterned writing, and this piece would make an effective recital number.

Morning Stretch is a lyrical contemporary arrangement of Grieg’s Morning Theme and is part of the Dog Days songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

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

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.

Sheets of Glass is an ambient solo composed by Jane Tate. This minor-key showcase solo is a great way for intermediates to work on crossovers.

Trillium is a graceful lyrical solo composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien. This elegant waltz is ideal for intermediates.

Cheaha Skyline, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical piano solo, written in homage to his home state of Alabama. Cheaha Mountain, at 2,413 feet, is the highest point in Alabama.

The Secret is a mysterious, minor-key lyrical solo for early intermediates of all ages by Jennifer Eklund. This elegant piece offers the opportunity for budding musicians to explore nuanced harmonies and work on expressive playing and use of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Something on the Slide is a Satie-esque waltz composed by British composer Joanne Grifiths. The accompaniment is built on two positions, C and G, with octave leaps from the bass to the chord. Awareness of balance between the hands is needed for this, to bring out the melody.

Return Home, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate lyrical solo that has much potential as recital or service music.

Simple Love Song, composed by Ron Levy, is an elegant solo that will delight intermediates of all ages.