Circle of Friends: Volume One

Rick Robertson’s Circle of Friends is a two-volume series containing a total of 24 character pieces for piano in each of the major and minor keys (minus enharmonic equivalents), in a manner similar to the Prelude sets by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the like.

Circle of Friends, by Rick Robertson, is a two-volume collection containing a total of 24 character pieces for piano in each of the major and minor keys (minus enharmonic equivalents), in a manner similar to the Prelude sets by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the like. The sequence as published is arranged in a rough order of difficulty, allowing for convenience in page turns here and there.

The title alludes as well to the familiar “Circle of Keys’. As for “friends”, each piece is dedicated to a close friend, colleague, or student. A few pieces in Volume One are at the early intermediate level, while Volume Two is solidly at the intermediate level with a steady trajectory of more demanding musical concepts.

Kaleidoscope Volume 2 is an evocative collection of lyrical showcase solos composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant solos will allow advancing early intermediates to work on musicality and expressive playing via works that are stage-ready and appropriate for all age groups.

Lyric Moments is a collection of thirteen lyrical pieces, composed by Rick Robertson, in different styles to give the performer experience in melodic shaping, tone color, and touch. Styles represented include Romantic lyricism, lush Impressionistic harmony, and even light jazz.

January is a high-energy showcase solo with an uplifting principle theme, dramatic middle section, and flashy ending. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

Sky Castles songbook features eleven charming contemporary lyrical solos for intermediates and beyond. With its harmonic elegance this collection will be a staple that students of all ages can grow with as they progress through lessons.

Creation Collage is a collection of ten season-themed character pieces by Sara Tomlinson. This book of contemporary, showcase-style works will delight intermediates of all ages.

Winds of Change is a collection of twelve showcase solos composed by Ryan Chesser. These showcase solos are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Paper Airplane by Sara Tomlinson is an expressive and flowing piece at the late intermediate level. Students will find the chromatic scales and left-hand crossovers fun and impressive. Suitable for students for intermediates of all ages.

My Kind of Joy, is a rockin’ and rollin’ spin on Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” This showcase arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages!

Ragtime Rhapsody, is a ragtime spin on Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.” This fast & flashy arrangement by Chrissy Ricker, ideal for intermediates, will dazzle audiences at your next recital.

Mood Swings is an evocative collection of twelve character pieces composed by Jenny Walker. These contemporary solos for late-intermediate and advanced pianists provide a delightful landscape of harmonies and contemporary stylings that span a variety of genres.

Signs of the Time is a collection of twelve contemporary solos for intermediates by Lisa Donovan Lukas based on the astrological signs of the zodiac. Each piece includes a description of personality traits unique to each sign. So, what’s your sign?

The Last Goodbye, is a contemporary spin on Handel’s “Passacaglia” from Suite No. 7. This elegant arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages!

Enjoy the Ride is a delightful collection of intermediate solos by Lisa Donovan Lukas featuring a variety of tonal centers and styles. These eleven selections are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Celebration is an energetic showcase solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Sleeping Beauty Waltz, by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, arranged by Lisa Donovan Lukas for solo piano, is a delightful, lyrical showcase piece for the intermediate pianist.

The Magical Garden, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, is a flashy lyrical solo for early intermediates and beyond. This piece is part of the Star City Solos songbook.