Picking Daisies

“Picking Marigolds” is a composition written by Travis Lohmann. It explores the use of contemporary harmonies, alternating meters, as well as chordal extensions. While still providing a simple and flowing melody, it is taken through a variety of transformations both harmonic and melodic. Students and teachers alike will enjoy picking apart the musical sequences scattered throughout the piece, as well as the overwhelming sense of serenity this piece brings. Definitely could be used as an interlude for a recital program, or even for social gatherings.

Picking Lilacs, composed by Travis Lohmann, features light influences of jazz, as well as lyrically phrased melodies. Best suited for mid to late-intermediate pianists, this composition can work both as a contemplative opener for a concert, as well as middle interlude between selections. The light-hearted tone of this piece, as well as its whimsical nature is sure to be a perfect performance piece for any concert.

Portrait No.1, Definitive Road, is a solo composed in the harmonic and melodic tendencies of Thomas Newman. Students will enjoy exploring the mysterious yet emotional chord qualities of this piece, as well as the variations of the melodic theme. This mid-intermediate to advanced level solo by Travis Lohmann is perfect for recital programming, preludes, and more.

Composer Stacy Fahrion transforms A Tisket, A Tasket and part of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean into a whimsically melancholy statement about the pain and inevitability of loss. On the Way I Lost It is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Pernicious Pumpkin is a whimsically macabre concoction of nursery rhymes by Stacy Fahrion. This eclectic, minor-key gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Wistful Waters is a late-intermediate to early-advanced piano work composed by Travis Lohmann. It merges together minimalistic styles as well as elements of French Impressionism, while still focusing on lyrical phrasing and robust melodies. It is a wonderful work with a shimmering beginning, a vigorously emotional middle, and a tempestuous ending. Students will absolutely be enraptured by the ending cadenza. Teachers will enjoy instructing students on various techniques such as: hand-crossing, polyrhythms, rhythmic evenness, and even tremolo!

Romance in D Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an elegant solo for late-intermediate and early-advanced-level lyrical pianists of all ages. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Intermezzo in B Flat Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an late-intermediate level Romantic lyrical piano solo. It appeals to pianists of all ages, and is suitable for recital and audition use.

Waltz for a Six-Legged Octopus by Stacy Fahrion begins whirling gently in 6/8 time, but the real hexapus waltzing starts when the piece shifts to 9/8. This waltz, ideal for intermediates, is for anyone who has ever felt like they’re missing something that everyone else has.

Sonic Bouquet is collection of lyrically expressive piano solos for the budding intermediates through late advanced pianist. Each piece was written as a musical interpretation of a specific flower and encapsulates my love for music ranging from jazz, classical, and film music. I sincerely hope you enjoy learning and growing, playing these works. - Travis Lohmann

Awkward Waltz is a tender, minor-key anthem for introverts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This contemplative gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

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.

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.

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.

Taken Aback is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.

Wandering is a beautiful, intermediate lyrical solo by composer Lisa Shoemaker. Rubato style and an uplifting sound will make this a student favorite!

Serious Moonlight, composed by Ron Levy, is a contemporary lyrical solo, inspired by Claude Debussy’s Clair de lune, for intermediates and late intermediates.