November

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.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Autumn Leaves, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a spirited lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Hold On is a lyrical pop solo ideal for intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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

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.

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Winds of Change is a collection of twelve showcase solos composed by Ryan Chesser. These showcase solos are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Strolling Down a Country Road is a medley of two Eklund favorites, Down a Country Road and Strolling. Contemporary lyrical music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Triumphant, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an uplifting pop-style solo for intermediates.

March is a gentle lullaby for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melodic line is brought to life by a hauntingly complex, yet very accessible, harmonic accompaniment which never requires stretching more than an octave.

May is a late intermediate pop-style solo with a broken chord accompaniment and singing contemporary melodic line. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

Live for Today, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level inspirational lyrical solo. It appeals to pianists of all ages and can be used as service music as well.

Simple Gifts arranged by Jennifer Eklund in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. This version is part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Mystery and uncertainty are just around the corner with this minor key solo by Ryan Chesser. This piece is great for teaching artistic expression and balance between hands. Your moody teenage students will love this expressive showcase solo!

Guilty as Charged is a light-hearted pop solo ideal for early intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 songbook.

Sky’s the Limit is an intermediate level contemporary lyrical solo by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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