The Misadventures of Jay Dubya

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.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!

The Madison Suite, composed by Barbara Becker, is a three-movement set of character pieces for late intermediate pianists that spans a variety of genres and will showcase the artistic skills of developing artists.

This exhilarating Toccata by Stacy Fahrion gives advanced pianists an opportunity to showcase their rhythmic skills. A bold hemiola-based theme in 6/8 gives this piece a dancelike rhythmic vitality. Use of the double harmonic major scale makes it sound mysterious and earthy. Ideal for conjuring up drama at Halloween recitals, or any time your students crave a dramatic and rhythmic piece. This piece is part of the “Polyrhythms for Pianists” method book.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

Portrait No. 6: Apeñas Amigos is an Intermediate to Late Intermediate work- paying tribute to Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, and it combines elements of both Classical and Jazz idioms. A hauntingly lyrical melody plays throughout the beginning and end of the work, while students will also be exploring various angular sequences as well. Teachers will enjoy this work for its lush harmonic content, perpetual rhythmic drive, as well as teaching various articulations and how to handle various tempi.  Intertwined within this work is a brief section of frenetic chaos, as well as a jovial (and dissonant) left-hand melody, which is sure to give students a real workout!

Meditation, from Thais by Jules Massenet, is arranged for solo piano in loving memory of my father, concert violinist Hy Shulman. I have such wonderful memories of Dad playing this piece on his violin at family gatherings. Years later, I repeatedly played a recording of Thais when I was pregnant with our son. He grew up to be an accomplished violinist himself and reminds me so much of my father! The cover photo is a self-portrait of me sitting with our son on our dock while gazing at the Milky Way.

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.

Kensington Suite, composed by Barbara Becker, is a three-movement set of character pieces for late intermediate pianists that spans a variety of genres and will showcase the artistic skills of developing artists.

Chaos by Lisa Frederick is the perfect showcase solo piece for your students who are begging for fast and flashy minor-key pieces. Ideal for late intermediates of all ages, this will be a hit at your next recital!

Sonatine, composed by Rick Robertson is an advanced showcase solo. It is in one movement, in a sonatina form. Its sweeping gestures and heartfelt melodies will certainly add style to any recital program. It is also suitable for festival or competition use.

A whimsical 12-tone version of Happy Birthday to play for sad birthdays. Music arranged by Stacy Fahrion.

To the Sea, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative tone poem for piano solo, depicting morning mist, sea life (birds, crabs, seals), and gannets leading us to the majesty of the open sea. A beautiful piece for all maturing pianists of all ages at the late-intermediate level and beyond.

“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.

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.

Little Tarantella, composed by Jenny Walker, mimics the Italian style of folk dance that has an upbeat, triple time tempo accompanied by tambourines. This lively solo is ideal for advancing 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.

Goodnight, Sweet Dreams is a Composers Today award winning composition by Lisa Donovan Lukas. An inspirational contemporary lyrical showcase solo, ideal for the advanced student.