December

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

Firelight Dreams, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is a haunting lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

February is a syncopated tune in triple meter for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. A lyrical variation replaces the principle theme in the second half of this minor piece. Students are not required to play a greater span than an octave in the left hand accompaniment, and the perpetual motion of the harmonic rhythm drives the sense of forward motion.

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

A Cold Winter’s Night is an elegant lyrical showcase solo that is part of Lisa Frederick’s In the Groove songbook. This piece well-suited 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.

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.

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.

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.

Snow Flurries, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. Pedal effects and mixed accents, including hemiola, add to the atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for recital or festival use.

Winter Walk by Jane Tate is a peaceful solo that would be suited to the early to middle intermediate player of any age. It will be a charming addition to any recital or performance opportunity.

Vivaldi’s Winter Theme No. 3 from The Four Seasons, arranged for intermediate piano solo by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Piano Pronto: Finale method book.

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.

City Nights, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Brand New Day songbook.

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.

The Holly & The Ivy, a traditional holiday melody, elegantly arranged for intermediates by Jenny Walker.

Space Waltz, composed by Ron Levy, is a delightful showcase solo for intermediates. This cinematic-style solo will serve as a great performance piece for recitals.

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.