Minuet in Gee!

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!

J.S. Bach’s iconic Minuet in G arranged as an evenly-leveled duet for two intermediates by Sandra Zylstra.

J.S. Bach’s Minuet in G arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund with a written -out improvisation section. This piece is part of Piano Pronto: Movement 2 and includes a teacher duet part.

The Very Blue Danube, is an intermediate level jazzy remix of the famous Strauss waltz arranged by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Rockin’ the Classics songbook.

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

Double Takes is a set of seven pairs of Rags and Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, and inspired by J.S.Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Each pair is a study in contrasting styles, mood, rhythm, tempo, articulation, dynamic range and textures.

The collection progresses up the keyboard, through a range of keys beginning on C and ending with B, and covers many pedagogical techniques for an intermediate pianist whilst still remaining engaging and fun.

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

Sideways Blues is a strange blues by Stacy Fahrion based on an eight-note scale containing these notes: E-F-G-A#-B-C-C#-D-E. Since it’s based only on that scale, most of the chords are not typical blues chords, although it follows a typical 12-bar structure. Students have the option to repeat measures 13-24 and improvise with the right hand over the chords that are already there.

Take It Easy, is a smooth jazz solo composed by Joanne Griffiths full of lush harmonies and a lilting rhythmic flow. This piece is part of the Double Takes songbook that features progressive pairs of jazz, rags, and blues-inspired solos.

Beethoven’s familiar two-note theme is used throughout this evenly-leveled piano duet by Dolce Dolls team Marcia Benson and Heidi Hansen in unexpected ways. This showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and up.

Walkin’ Tall is an intermediate level jazz style piano solo with a walking bassline that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.

Lullabies for Arachnophobes by Stacy Fahrion is a whimsically macabre collection written in homage of spindly spiders of all shapes and sizes. Rife with quirky rhythms, harmonies, and re-spindled versions of spidery classics, this collection will delight advanced players of all ages.

Masquerade is a whimsical lyrical waltz in B minor composed by Chrisanne Nahum. This piece is ideally suited for intermediates and will delight students of all ages!

With an accompaniment inspired by the slow movement of Chopin’s Third Sonata, Ron Levy has composed a meditative piano solo with an enchanting melody in a stately setting. This intermediate level composition focuses on building and sustaining a long lyrical line over a steady, supportive left hand.

Tristesse, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. Its “nocturne” or “romance” style lends it to recital or festival performance, as well as in service playing.

Linguine Tarantella, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo. Written in the style of the Neapolitan Tarantella, its exciting dynamic changes and a cascade of flying octaves at the end will make this a showstopper for recital or festival.

Allegro Burlesco, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its crisp texture and rapid passagework will make an effective recital selection, and could even be used as a prelude or postlude for festive church occasions.