Picking Marigolds

Picking Daisies, composed by Travis Lohmann, is a light-hearted and jovial jazz-influenced waltz appropriate for mid-intermediate to advanced pianists, and focuses on such concepts as: cantabile legato lines, syncopated rhythms, dynamic expressivity, left and right hand leaps, triplet passage work and rolled chords. Best suited as a showcase solo, the highlight of this piece is the written-out solo over the chord changes, sure to dazzle the audience. With dexterous phrases, catchy melodic segments, and infectious rhythms, this piece is certain to brighten your day and those nearby!

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.

In Harmony All Ways features nine ambient, lyrical solos by composer Debbie Center. These soothing piano reflections inspired by Minnesota’s Lake Country will provide enjoyment for intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages.

Questions, composed by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate lyrical solo. It has a haunting melody full of interesting harmonic turns.

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

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

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

New Beginnings is an upbeat and uplifting contemporary pop-style solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This selection will delight intermediates of all ages and makes a great recital or festival piece.

Rain is a pensive lyrical style showcase piano solo for late intermediate pianists. New Age meets Baroque, contemporary styling with elegant contrapuntal touches.

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.

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.

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!

Nuit d’etoiles (Starry Night) by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate-level lyrical solo that will appeal to pianists of all ages, and is an excellent introduction to the Impressionist style. Includes glossary of French terms and music history lesson about the Impressionist era.

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.

Autrefois (In Olden Days), composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate lyrical solo that is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals. It recalls the Paris of the late nineteenth century, with its evocation of early Impressionism. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 3 songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Graceful and charming, this original bagatelle by Paul Sweet is as delightful as a spring day. Teachers and students will delight in shaping its multi-voice textures and expressive potential.

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.