Minuet in Gee!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

Mood Swings is an evocative collection of twelve character pieces composed by Jenny Walker. These contemporary solos for late-intermediate and advanced pianists provide a delightful landscape of harmonies and contemporary stylings that span a variety of genres.

12-Toed Foe is a twelve-tone solo over a blues progression composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien. This pieces serves as a great introduction to contemporary idioms and includes a glossary of terms and the twelve-tone matrix used in the piece.

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.

Intermezzo in B, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a maturing pianist. It gives the growing performer experience in a less-frequently encountered key, and could be used as wedding or service music as well.

Prelude in E Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo in a neo-Baroque style. It is written in the style of Bach’s organ works as transcribed for piano by Ferruccio Busoni, and would make a good program opener for a developing pianist. Its minor key and somber sound also makes it suitable as a Halloween selection.

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!

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.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for early intermediates of all ages.

The Easy Winners, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Cookie Waltz has its origin in my very first composition, written while an undergraduate at Orange Coast College under the tutelage of Dr. Edith Smith. The original title, Mookwipp No. 1, seemed a bit strange in retrospect, so I transformed it thus: mook–> cook–>cookie…Cookie Waltz!