Reflection

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.

Winter Frost, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate lyrical solo. Its plaintive sound makes it an interesting reflective solo. The melody is primarily in the left hand.

Lullaby is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

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.

Introspection, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level ambient solo with a mature sound. An opening lyrical, chordal section contrasts with a middle section featuring displaced accents. It also gives the performer an opportunity to experience the key of E-flat minor in a less intimidating setting.

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.

Finding Stillness is a peaceful lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

Return Home, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate lyrical solo that has much potential as recital or service music.

Simply Sung, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic ambient style. The syncopated accompaniment adds a rocking motion to the right-hand melody. This piece, a favorite of the composer, can also be used in service playing or wedding ceremonies. This selection is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Simple Love Song, composed by Ron Levy, is an elegant solo that will delight intermediates of all ages.

Waiting Is…, composed by Ron Levy, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediate and beyond. This peaceful solo serves as a great exercise for players to explore rubato and lyrical phrasing.

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.

Reassurance, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a gentle sway in its rhythm, and a memorable melody. It could also be used as worship service music. It was inspired by the self-isolation and “social distancing” of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

Castle in the Clouds is an elegant solo for advancing early intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This showcase solo is a great way to introduce syncopation and an advanced key signature since the piece requires very few shifts in hand position.

Cosmic Mystery, composed by Rick Robertson, is an ambient solo that can also be performed effectively on an electronic keyboard.

New Horizons songbook features contemporary lyrical piano solos composed by Jennifer Eklund that are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Finding My Way, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level reflective solo. It is a study in broken chords, modulations, and tension/release. This lyrical selection will appeal to pianists of all ages.