Trillium

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

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

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.

Appalachian Rhapsody, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a breathtaking showcase solo for intermediates with varied sections of sweeping lyrical melodies and lively dance themes. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

Summer Evening, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a light-jazz lyrical style. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and makes an excellent performance choice.

Monday’s Child is a suite of seven character pieces, composed by Joanne Griffiths, based on the children’s traditional British fortune-telling poem “Monday’s Child.” It is contemporary in style, particularly influenced by Ludovico Einaudi and Arvo Part. The pieces are mainly light and gentle in mood with meditative patterns, sequences, imitation and repetition at the core and topped with lyrical melodies, portraying the character of each child for that day.

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.

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.

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.

Reflection is a lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson with a reflective quality. The piece is in 6/8 time in the key of A minor. The listener could easily get lost in the melody, which is supported by a hypnotic left-hand accompaniment.

The Lullabies & Laments songbook features eleven originals solos initially inspired in 2023 by the arrival of my grandson Theo. It was clear from the start that gentle piano music consoled him, so I endeavored to write him his own lullaby.

Each dedicated piece requires controlled, balanced and calm playing. The repetitive, gently rocking rhythms aim to be soothing to both player and listener, with an overall relaxing feeling and an easing of any tension.

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

Misty Morning is a Satie-esque, reflective solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for early intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Skyscape, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an ambient lyrical solo for intermediate pianists of any age. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Something Reminiscent, by British composer Joanne Griffiths, has a reflective, lyrical melody over a repetitive, pattern based accompaniment with influences of Max Richter. Based around the C minor triad there are technical demands of evenness of touch and balance between hands, with a little left over right crossing for dramatic effect.

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

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.

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.