By the Frozen Mill Pond

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

Winter Walk by Jane Tate is a peaceful solo that would be suited to the early to middle intermediate player of any age. It will be a charming addition to any recital or performance opportunity.

Winter Frost, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate lyrical solo. Its plaintive sound makes it an interesting reflective solo. The melody is primarily in the left hand.

This is a lyrical piano ballad in waltz time for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melody is made almost entirely of ascending and descending pentascales (5-note scales) on white keys. The accompaniment for left hand requires a hand span primarily of melodic octaves with an occasional melodic tenth. The ternary form features a middle section with surprising harmonies and a deceptive cadence. Middle and high school students will find this piece both accessible and rewarding.

Scenic Route is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for early intermediates and up of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Sailing is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates that is also part of the New Horizons Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

February is a syncopated tune in triple meter for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. A lyrical variation replaces the principle theme in the second half of this minor piece. Students are not required to play a greater span than an octave in the left hand accompaniment, and the perpetual motion of the harmonic rhythm drives the sense of forward motion.

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.

Winter Reverie is a haunting, minor key, contemporary lyrical piano solo for intermediates that is part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Snow Flurries, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. Pedal effects and mixed accents, including hemiola, add to the atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for recital or festival use.

Guilty as Charged is a light-hearted pop solo ideal for early intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 songbook.

Guiding Light is a flowing, contemporary lyrical solo for late-intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece makes for a wonderful recital showcase piece and is part of the New Horizons songbook.

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.

Cosmic Mystery, composed by Rick Robertson, is an ambient solo that can also be performed effectively on an electronic keyboard.

March is a gentle lullaby for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melodic line is brought to life by a hauntingly complex, yet very accessible, harmonic accompaniment which never requires stretching more than an octave.

Lullaby is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Dance Upon High, is an elegant medley featuring the Russian Dance from “The Nutcracker” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” arranged for early intermediates by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Medley Magic holiday songbook.

Capture the Moment is lyrical pop-style solo for intermediates composed by Heather Nanney. With its intriguing melodic lines, this is a great recital piece for all ages.