Brand New Day

Something Else, by British composer Joanne Griffiths, has a gently meandering melody over an accompaniment of two patterns, two chords and two time signatures. A little quirky lilt changing from 3/4 to 4/4 time will keep your students counting.

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Vanished is a haunting, minor key, contemporary lyrical piano solo for intermediates. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the New Horizons songbook.

Breaking Free is a fast, lyrical contemporary showcase solo for intermediates of all ages that is also part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Sweet Farewell is a lyrical contemporary solo for intermediates of all ages that is part of the Dreamweaver songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Look to the Sky, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical, elementary level solo. It has the bonus of an optional duet/obligato part, playable on piano, flute, or violin.

Guiding Light is a flowing, contemporary lyrical solo for late-intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece makes for a wonderful recital showcase piece and is part of the New Horizons songbook.

Dreamweaver is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music by Jennifer Eklund. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

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.

This is a lyrical piano ballad in waltz time for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melody is made almost entirely of ascending and descending pentascales (5-note scales) on white keys. The accompaniment for left hand requires a hand span primarily of melodic octaves with an occasional melodic tenth. The ternary form features a middle section with surprising harmonies and a deceptive cadence. Middle and high school students will find this piece both accessible and rewarding.

Reflections is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates that is also part of the New Horizons Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Keep the Change is a lyrical jazz waltz in B minor with a written out improvisation. Great as a launching point for intermediates into jazz studies.

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.

Drifting, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is a moody, minor-key meandering piece that provides intermediates ample opportunity to develop smooth, flowing left hand triplet patterns, as well as gain experience with the una corda pedal.

Kiss the Stars is a pop-style lyrical solo by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This elegant selection is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

By the Frozen Mill Pond by Gary Johnston is a wistful piano solo for early intermediates of all ages. This elegant, introspective melody, conjures up images of a frosty day on a frozen pond.

Something More is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates by British composer Joanne Griffiths.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.