Horsin’ Around

June is a dramatic solo for later intermediate pianists. The mysterious setting evokes the mood of a summer storm with tumultuous wind. Crashing pops of lightning punctuate the primary theme while arpeggiated flourishes mimic the downpour of sudden rain. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

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.

Lion-Hearted (Leo) is a vibrant showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

On the Trail is a slow bluesy solo for early intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Illumination (Virgo) is a lilting showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

March of the Red Ants, composed by Kevin Costley, is an showcase solo for late beginners. This piece serves as a great opportunity for students to work on playing a steady bass line, triplets, and shifting between major and minor modes.

Creepy Critter Dance, composed by Paul Sweet, is a cheeky, creepy showcase solo for early intermediates. Spooky harmonies and upbeat patterns make it a great selection for Halloween recitals or any time of the year!

Sand Dance is a quirky little piece with a slightly Arabian feel. Written by British composer Jenny Walker, it fluctuates between the tonal centers of D and E minor. It is lyrical and rhythmic, with the melody existing in the right hand.

“A” is for Ant is a jazzy, minor-key primer level solo, from Roadtrip: Rockstar Rally, and includes a teacher duet part. Music and lyrics by Jennifer Eklund and Kris Skaletski.

Set Sail is a collection of eleven, showcase style solos for intermediates composed by Amanda W. Smith. With a balanced mix of flashy and lyrical selections, this songbook will be a favorite with students of all ages!

No Worries is an uplifting lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Spooky Ooky! composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato, jaunty rhythms, and sudden dynamic shifts make it an excellent spooky Halloween solo.

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

January is a high-energy showcase solo with an uplifting principle theme, dramatic middle section, and flashy ending. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

Top Cat Boogie, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a fast 1950s rock-style solo for late beginners. This piece is part of the Easy Cool Cats songbook.

Five-Speed! by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a rhythmic contemporary style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

Campsite Critters is a lyrical primer level solo, from Roadtrip: Rockstar Rally, and includes a teacher duet part. This piece serves as a great introduction to playing eighth notes. Music and lyrics by Jennifer Eklund and Kris Skaletski.

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?