Horsin’ Around

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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!

Skedaddle Rag by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a Ragtime style. It has major “hit potential” as a recital or festival selection.

Lyric Moments is a collection of thirteen lyrical pieces, composed by Rick Robertson, in different styles to give the performer experience in melodic shaping, tone color, and touch. Styles represented include Romantic lyricism, lush Impressionistic harmony, and even light jazz.

What could be nicer than a cat nap on a lazy afternoon? This laid-back jazz piece by Chrissy Ricker is sure to be a hit with early intermediates of all ages!

Dog Days songbook is a set of intermediate showcase solos by Jennifer Eklund that chronicles a day in the life of her rescue dogs.

The Lovelorn Lobster is a song from 1897 with words by Joseph W. Herbert. Stacy Fahrion wrote her own original whimsically macabre music to the poignant lyrics about love between a lobster and a piscatorial maiden going terribly awry. A timeless, classic theme for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion!

Boppin’ on the Boardwalk is a playful spin on “Minuet in G” from the The Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach. This fun and flashy arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be sure to delight early intermediates of all ages!

Cool Cat Boogie, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is boogie-woogie style jazzy solo for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Cool Cats songbook.

Boogie Blues is a fun and energetic boogie-woogie style jazz solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This light-hearted romp is ideal for early intermediates of all ages!

Black Cat Boogie, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early-intermediate jazzy showcase solo in a Boogie-Woogie style. It is very effective in performance, and should be a hit on any recital program. It is purposefully written in G-flat major, and uses black-key pentatonic melodies.

Zorro is a lively Spanish-style showcase solo composed by Sara Tomlinson. This early intermediate piece will make for an exciting solo at your next recital!