These Are Odd Times: Soundtrack

Portrait No.3 A Treasured Moment, is a late intermediate solo composed by Travis Lohmann, which pays homage to the Impressionistic colors of French composer Claude Debussy. A contemplative beginning with resonant and sonorous chords is a fantastic way to get students thinking about touch and tone color when performing. The increasingly more energetic middle section allows students to become more dexterous with rapid arpeggiated extended chords, as well as the evocative colors of the whole tone scale. The piece concludes with a distant call-back to the original main theme with jazz-influenced harmonies before having a triumphant send off of lush chords reminiscent of bells tolling far away.

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee arranged in a contemporary lyrical style for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

Diabolical Dance is a wild ride through 10/8 time with a relentless 3+2+2+3 groove. This dramatic piece by Stacy Fahrion will give advanced students a chance to highlight their rhythmic skills. Featuring contrapuntal lines culminating in tone clusters, this piece will be a delight when featured in Halloween recitals, or any time your students are looking for a flashy minor-key piece with fun asymmetrical rhythms.

Waltz of the Flowers, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, stylishly arranged for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

The Theory Time Medallion Series Platinum workbook covers the Advanced levels of music theory. By working through the Platinum workbook, a student will cover the concepts taught in Grades Nine & Ten in the original workbook series. This workbook is appropriate for students who have a solid understanding of the Theory Fundamental through Intermediate levels (Primer through Grade 8 in the original Workbook Series.) The Platinum workbook will prepare a student for the College Prep Level in the original Workbook Series. Upon completion, a student will be ready to work in the Diamond Level or in the Grade Eleven workbook of the original Workbook Series.

Jazz up your holiday season with this upbeat reimagined version of the Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet. This showcase solo is ideal for late intermediates and arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

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.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness by Rick Robertson is an early-advanced arrangement of the beloved American hymn tune by William S. Runyan. It is useful for recital or worship use.

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.

In Harmony All Ways, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

Draw Me Nearer in a lush virtuosic setting arranged by Christina Mathis. This sacred favorite is ideal for advanced pianists.

Falling Slowly is a whimsically macabre lyrical solo composed by Stacy Fahrion. This solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages and is part of the These Are Odd Times songbook.

Powerful, is an advanced original composition by Christina Mathis, featuring plenty of full chords, octaves, and arpeggios. This exciting piece is sure to be a favorite of your teen students!

Disjointed Waltz, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative waltz with a few surprises. It contains some dynamic time and key changes. It has been written with the advanced player in mind, though rubato could be used to make things easier. The changeover to 6/8 works well and the syncopated rhythms are very effective.

Portrait No.2, Spirited Castle is a late intermediate solo composed in the likes of Joe Hisaishi. Students will enjoy the bright and upbeat jazz waltz feel, soaring melody, as well as exploring scintillating quartal harmonies in left hand accompaniment. This piece is perfect for openers or dramatic finishes at recitals, festival solos, and more!

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

Whimsy & Wonder features ten delightfully macabre solos for intermediates composed by Stacy Fahrion. These quirky, neoclassical twists on favorite nursery rhymes will delight pianists of all ages who are looking for unique performance pieces.