You Gave Me Music

The Silver Lining, composed by Ryan Chesser, is a light and airy lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

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.

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

Castle in the Clouds is an elegant solo for advancing early intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This showcase solo is a great way to introduce syncopation and an advanced key signature since the piece requires very few shifts in hand position.

Star City Solos is a collection of dynamic character pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, written in homage of her hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. This delightful and varied set will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages.

Celebration is an energetic showcase solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Reflection is a lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson with a reflective quality. The piece is in 6/8 time in the key of A minor. The listener could easily get lost in the melody, which is supported by a hypnotic left-hand accompaniment.

Remember When is solo by Sara Tomlinson featuring warm, rich harmonies and a tender melody. The middle section features arpeggiated figures and melodic flourishes, expanding on the original theme. The piece concludes with a fond return of the A section in simplified form.

Something like Glass, written by British composer, Joanne Griffiths is a study in consistent and even playing of triplets in the right hand, with changing clefs in the left hand that explore the outer areas of the keyboard. Intermediates will enjoy the essence of Philip Glass that flows through this evocative solo.

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

In a Canoe, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate level lyrical solo. Its swaying rhythm suggests the rowing of the oarsman (or oarswoman).

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.

Journeys is an engaging collection of twelve contemporary solos by Lisa Donovan Lukas featuring an array of tonal centers and styles. These selections are ideal showcase pieces for intermediates of all ages.

At Sunset, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical solo for early intermediates and up with a mature" sound. It is suitable for teens and adults as well.

Mood Swings is an evocative collection of twelve character pieces composed by Jenny Walker. These contemporary solos for late-intermediate and advanced pianists provide a delightful landscape of harmonies and contemporary stylings that span a variety of genres.

Fields of Joy, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an uplifting lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

Dreamweaver is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music by Jennifer Eklund. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.