Under the Big Top

Beethoven’s familiar two-note theme is used throughout this evenly-leveled piano duet by Dolce Dolls team Marcia Benson and Heidi Hansen in unexpected ways. This showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and up.

Inner Turmoil is a fury-filled, fast and flashy advanced showcase piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Perfect for teens looking for an impressive spotlight solo for their next performance.

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!

This slightly sinister stride duet by Stacy Fahrion incorporates a few simplified snippets of Chopin’s Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2.

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.

Three Prayers consists of three short engaging movements for 2 pianos, 8 hands, by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This is a melodic, contemporary showcase piece for late intermediate students. Ideal for teens as well as students of all ages who enjoy playing duets and ensemble pieces at group lessons and recitals.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

Disjointed Waltz, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative waltz with a few surprises. It contains some dynamic time and key changes. It has been written with the advanced player in mind, though rubato could be used to make things easier. The changeover to 6/8 works well and the syncopated rhythms are very effective.

Dark to Light is a fast and flashy evenly-leveled duet for two early intermediates. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Midnight at the Manor, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a minor-key evenly-leveled showcase duet for intermediates. This piece is part of the Let’s Quest Volume 4 songbook.

Toccata Staccata, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato parallel chords with a hint of Latin flavor give the advancing performer an exciting showpiece.

Ready or Not! is a fast and flashy evenly-leveled duet for early intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the Dynamic Duos songbook.

On Your Case by Lisa Frederick is a minor-key jazzy showcase solo for late intermediates of all ages. Ideal for students who want spy-themed pieces, this will be a sure-fire hit at your next recital!

Clown Alley is an upbeat minor-key duet for late beginners composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas.

En Garde!, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a minor-key evenly-leveled showcase duet for intermediates. This piece is part of the Let’s Quest Volume 4 songbook.

Waltz Divine, composed by Jenny Walker, is in the style of a grand waltz. Rubato is encouraged, especially when it comes to reaching the distance in the left hand. The opening section has a catchy and memorable theme. The quieter, second section, is brief and the first idea soon reappears to conclude the piece. This selection is ideal for late intermediates.

Three Moods for Piano, composed by Rick Robertson, is an late intermediate level triptych in a percussive twentieth-century style. The outer movements, both crisp and rhythmic (the first in constantly changing meters) flank a short, expressive middle movement. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

Lucky Shamrock, part of Lisa Donovan Lukas’s Dynamic Duos songbook, is a delightful evenly-leveled duet for two late-beginners. Enjoy this piece as a St. Patrick’s Day favorite or at any time of the year! This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.