Once Upon a Time

Lullabies for Arachnophobes by Stacy Fahrion is a whimsically macabre collection written in homage of spindly spiders of all shapes and sizes. Rife with quirky rhythms, harmonies, and re-spindled versions of spidery classics, this collection will delight advanced players of all ages.

Wayward Blackbird interweaves Chopin-esque basslines with familiar nursery rhymes This Old Man and Sing a Song of Sixpence in this whimsically macabre showcase solo by Stacy Fahrion.

Nice Little Monster is a bluesy piece by Stacy Fahrion about a creature that is tired of being called a little monster. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Minor Blues for Two by Stacy Fahrion gives the first pianist an opportunity to improvise over a 12-bar blues progression. If played on a grand piano, the pianist can also mute strings inside the piano for an interesting change of tone color.

This piece starts out mostly normal, staying close to Stephen Foster’s piece, but then something goes awry and it ends up in the parallel minor. Music by Stacy Fahrion.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

A hair-raising, haunting tarantella by Stacy Fahrion with an abundance of crunchy minor 2nds and a slower, nostalgic middle section.

Londonderry Air (O, Danny Boy) arranged in a lyrical and up-tempo jazzy style for intermediates. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

Sideways Blues is a strange blues by Stacy Fahrion based on an eight-note scale containing these notes: E-F-G-A#-B-C-C#-D-E. Since it’s based only on that scale, most of the chords are not typical blues chords, although it follows a typical 12-bar structure. Students have the option to repeat measures 13-24 and improvise with the right hand over the chords that are already there.

This is the first “Whimsically Macabre” composition Stacy Fahrion wrote, back in 2012. It begins with a quote from Chopin’s Winter Wind Etude, then segues into hints of a slightly menacing version of Do You Know the Muffin Man.

Boogie-Man Blues is a jazzy jaunt in A minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. This swinging showcase solo is ideal for intermediates.

Kum-ba-yah, is a beloved African-American folk hymn. This arrangement by Rick Robertson is given a “variation” treatment at the intermediate level suitable for recital, Black History presentations, or worship services.

Arachne’s Web, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a whimsically macabre solo featuring lots of syncopation and a unique spin on Itsy Bitsy Spider. This piece is part of the Once Upon a Time songbook.

Composer Stacy Fahrion interweaves Hickory Dickory Dock and snippets of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow into this whimsically macabre solo that will delight late intermediates of all ages.

Composer Stacy Fahrion transforms Three Blind Mice, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and a snippet of Rain, Rain, Go Away into a mystical minor showpiece.

Endearing Irish Charms, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, is a medley of two familiar Irish tunes “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

Wistful Waltz, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a mysterious, Chopin-esque waltz with a very un-Chopin-like modal middle section and an abundance of tritones. Ideal for early advanced level pianists of all ages.

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.