Summer Skies

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.

Summer Evening, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a light-jazz lyrical style. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and makes an excellent performance choice.

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

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.

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).

A Gentle Strength (Cancer) is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

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 Sun, composed by Rick Robertson, is an upbeat lyrical solo for intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Lazy Afternoon by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate-level lyrical solo. The flowing style and ease will appeal to pianists of all ages.

Summer Sunset, composed by Sara Tomlinson, reflects an ending of something beautiful. The melody swirls throughout the piece as rich layers are added through arpeggios in the left hand. This lyrical solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Souvenirs is an collection of thirteen New Age style solos for intermediates composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant and evocative solos will be enjoyed by students of all ages, especially teens and adults.

Faith, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate reflective lyrical solo. Its melody and mood make it equally suitable for recital or service use.

Lullaby, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a lyrical and expressive piece, suitable for an intermediate player. It is based on the primary chords of D major, with the occasional chromatic twist.

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.

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

In the Groove is a fun-filled collection of thirteen showcase solos composed by Lisa Frederick. Ideally suited for early intermediates and beyond, these engaging pieces cover a wide variety of genres including jazz, blues, lyrical, boogie-woogie, and more!

At the Edge by Amanda W. Smith is a wistful lyrical solo for intermediate pianists of any age. This piece offers a wonderful opportunity to work on rubato and expressive playing.

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.