Horsin’ Around

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Indian Summer, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a reflective ambient solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Recordings for the Dog Days songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

Turkey in the Straw sheet music is a fun little romp for late beginners that is a great recital solo. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

On the Prowl is a easy minor-key showcase solo composed by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Easy Cool Cats songbook.

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.

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.

Winds of Change is a collection of twelve showcase solos composed by Ryan Chesser. These showcase solos are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

The Knight’s Quest, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is a flashy showcase solo for intermediate pianists of any age. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.