Distant Bells

Sky Castles, by Lisa Donovan Lukas, is a delightful, upbeat, lyrical showcase piece for the early intermediate pianist.

Arabesque, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate-level lyrical solo. Its melody moves in easily-accessible patterns up and down the white keys.

Tiny Lullaby by Rick Robertson is a brief elegant solo for the expressive early-intermediate performer. Ideal for students all ages and appropriate as church service music.

Valse Sentimentale is a pensive lyrical waltz composed by Rick Robertson that is ideal for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Reach for the Stars songbook.

Sailor’s Tale, composed by Rick Robertson is an early intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. A simply-harmonized opening theme is contrasted with a more tumultuous middle section featuring broken chords divided between the hands. This will make an excellent recital selection and is part of the Reach for the Stars songbook.

Once Upon a Time is a whimsically macabre solo composed by Stacy Fahrion that is part of the songbook of the same title. This eerie showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and beyond.

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.

Chanson, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate-level lyrical solo. With its haunting melody and interesting harmonic turns this piece is useful for recitals, weddings, or church services.

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.

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.

Highly Classified is a classical-style piece ideal for early-intermediates. With a touch of Mozartian flair, this neoclassical showcase solo will be a hit at any recital or festival. Part of the Spotlight Solos Plus songbook.

This piece was inspired by a breathtaking midnight kayak ride on our lake in northern Minnesota. It was my birthday, and the water was completely still, beautifully reflecting every star as well as the rising Super Moon.

Grace is a gentle lyrical solo by Lisa Smith ideal for early intermediates of all ages. This solo is well-suited for church offertories or casual playing and enjoyment.

If You Believe, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist. It can also be used in wedding or service playing.

Shape Up is a collection of twelve showcase-style technical studies composed by Jenny Walker. These pieces explore a variety of tonal centers and time signatures and will serve as an important collection for early intermediates and beyond.

Musical Mosaics is a collection of ten showcase solos for early intermediates composed by Lisa Shoemaker. Covering a wide variety of genres and styles, these make for lovely selections for a recital or festival.

Look to the Sky, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical, elementary level solo. It has the bonus of an optional duet/obligato part, playable on piano, flute, or violin.

Dreamer’s Nightfall, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate reflective solo that has much potential as recital or service music. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 2 songbook.