First Flower

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

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

The Butterfly is an introspective, lyrical solo for early intermediates of all ages by Jennifer Eklund. With its delicate harmonies, this piece offers the opportunity for budding musicians to work on expressive playing and dynamic nuances.

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.

Ruby Skies is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo, for intermediates and beyond, composed by Jennifer Eklund. This solo makes for a lovely recital selection or as music in church services. This piece is part of the “Sounds of the Spirit” songbook.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.

Floating Along is a sophisticated, lyrical solo by Ryan Chesser. Patterned to fit easily under the hands, it is deceptively simple and perfect for students in Piano Pronto Movement 2 or 3.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

Seasons Change, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It is a study in melodic shaping, chord balance, and arpeggio accompaniment, and will appeal to pianists of all ages.

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Picking Lilacs, composed by Travis Lohmann, features light influences of jazz, as well as lyrically phrased melodies. Best suited for mid to late-intermediate pianists, this composition can work both as a contemplative opener for a concert, as well as middle interlude between selections. The light-hearted tone of this piece, as well as its whimsical nature is sure to be a perfect performance piece for any concert.

This piece was inspired by a breathtaking midnight kayak ride on our lake in northern Minnesota. It was my birthday, and the water was completely still, beautifully reflecting every star as well as the rising Super Moon.

In Harmony All Ways, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

Beside Still Waters, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo with a mature sound. The rhythmic shifts and harmonic blends add to the effect.This piece is equally suited for recital or worship use.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

The Reawakening is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Impressions songbook.

Picking Daisies, composed by Travis Lohmann, is a light-hearted and jovial jazz-influenced waltz appropriate for mid-intermediate to advanced pianists, and focuses on such concepts as: cantabile legato lines, syncopated rhythms, dynamic expressivity, left and right hand leaps, triplet passage work and rolled chords. Best suited as a showcase solo, the highlight of this piece is the written-out solo over the chord changes, sure to dazzle the audience. With dexterous phrases, catchy melodic segments, and infectious rhythms, this piece is certain to brighten your day and those nearby!

Promises of a New Day is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that celebrates the efervescent light of the sunrise. Composed by Debbie Center, this solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages.