Saying Goodbye

Mama’s Song by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate-level lyrical solo. It is based on a theme penned by the composers’s mother. This piece makes for a lovely recital selection or as service music, especially for Mother’s Day.

May You Find Your Peace, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. The composer aimed to write a solo with a peaceful, soothing mood for times when a pianist just needs to be “alone with their instrument.” Although it is “very personal,” it is suitable to be shared in a worship service or a recital.

Faded Memories, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant melancholy solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

Winds of Change, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

The Book of Spells by Stacy Fahrion is designed to ease intermediate pianists of all ages into improvising in different imaginative ways, using different time signatures, modes, pentatonic scales, odd meters, and occasional 2:3 polyrhythms. Each spell has at least one section where pianists have the opportunity to create their own melodies, using a suggested rhythm to help them get started. Most of the pieces feature an ostinato of some kind in the left hand. Several of these pieces are inspired by the composer’s studies of North Indian ragas. This book is ideal for intermediate pianists who would like to learn to improvise and compose their own music, and is also a source of fresh ideas for students who are already improvising and composing.

Lullaby, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a lyrical and expressive piece, suitable for an intermediate player. It is based on the primary chords of D major, with the occasional chromatic twist.

Winter Wind, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

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

The Eagle’s Flight, composed by Sarah Barintine, is an intermediate level lyrical showcase solo. The composer, a former student of Rick Robertson, wrote it at the age of 13. It has teen appeal, and is suitable for recital performance.

Dark Waters, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is a haunting lyrical waltz for early intermediates and up.

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

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.

Something Borrowed, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Written as a commemorative piece for the centenary of the battle of Beaumont-Hamel, July 1, 1916. Of the nearly 800 men who took part in the Allied offensive only 68 were to answer roll call the following day. Opening with the toll of bells this solo piano piece has a simple, yet haunting, Celtic-inspired melody played over a military drum-like drone.

Novela, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a haunting melody with a contrasting middle section.

Pearls by Jenny Walker is a beautifully lyrical gem of a piece, and forms a delightful intermezzo. Its simplicity and expressiveness provides an emotional escapism for intermediate players. The main harmony base fluctuates between minor and major keys, creating a beautiful melody which itself is merely a simple motif.

Possibilities by Sara Tomlinson is a flowing, contemporary solo with a dynamic, flashy middle section. The unusual harmonies, mixing the sounds of major and minor, open the listener’s mind to endless possibilities.

Night Song, composed by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate level lyrical solo in a Romantic nocturne style. It is very effective in performance, and will make an excellent performance or festival selection for a developing pianist.