Waiting

Clocks by Joanne Griffiths has a contemporary feel with echoes of Philip Glass. Control, balance and concentration will be needed to maintain the 2 against 3 cross rhythms. Ideal for intermediates of all ages!

In his third installment of the Kaleidoscope series, composer Rick Robertson spins a web of evocative, elegant harmonies encapsulated within thirteen spectacular solos for advancing intermediates. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Bittersweet is a dramatic contemporary lyrical solo composed by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This minor-key showcase piece will delight late-intermediates of all ages!

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.

J.S. Bach’s iconic Toccata & Fugue in D minor stylishly remixed by Jennifer Eklund. This arrangement is ideal for late intermediate players and up.

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.

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

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

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

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

Ryan Chesser’s piano adaptation of the famous soprano duet, Flower Duet, from the French opera Lakme. Students will love these beautiful harmonies and this introduction to opera. This selection is also popular for weddings!

Guilty as Charged is a light-hearted contemporary lyrical solo ideal for late intermediate pianists. Words and music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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.

Pomp & Circumstance, a perennial graduation favorite, arranged in a lyrical style for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

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.

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

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.