Piano Pronto® Movement 5: Soundtrack

Breaking Free is a fast, lyrical contemporary showcase solo for intermediates of all ages that is also part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

We Three Kings, artfully mixed with the Arabian Dance from “The Nutcracker,” in an intermediate level arrangement by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Medley Magic Volume 2 holiday songbook.

Do your students love Harry Potter? If yes, then this fun and whimsical intermediate-level piece by Sara Tomlinson is sure to excite them! The hand-over-hand crossovers and minor key set the mood for an adventure to occur. Great piece for an upcoming recital!

Appalachian Rhapsody, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a breathtaking showcase solo for intermediates with varied sections of sweeping lyrical melodies and lively dance themes. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

Un Souvenir, composed by Rick Robertson, is a left-hand only intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. Besides the benefit as a “pupil saver” for pianists with right-hand injuries, it gives any performer the opportunity to work on balancing melody and accompaniment in the same hand, and use of pedal to tie the texture together. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

Lullaby, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a lyrical and expressive piece, suitable for an intermediate player. It is based on the primary chords of D major, with the occasional chromatic twist.

Rag Doll, composed by Jenny Walker, serves as a jovial introduction to the ragtime style. Mainly played on white keys, it is a cheeky piece that will delight intermediate pianists of all ages!

By the Frozen Mill Pond by Gary Johnston is a wistful piano solo for early intermediates of all ages. This elegant, introspective melody, conjures up images of a frosty day on a frozen pond.

Full Circle: A Year in Twelve Pieces features engaging, attractively varied intermediate level solos by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. This collection will challenge and delight students of all ages with pedagogically sound writing that will help them grow as musicians and performers alike. Perfect showcase pieces for recitals, festival performances, or just casual enjoyment.

Castle in the Clouds is an elegant solo for advancing early intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This showcase solo is a great way to introduce syncopation and an advanced key signature since the piece requires very few shifts in hand position.

Whip-poor-will Dance is a slow ragtime-style solo written in 1921 by Joe Jordan and featured in Season 2 of the HBO® series “Boardwalk Empire.” This simplified elegant arrangement by Jennifer Eklund is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Day is Done, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. A slow-moving theme with harmonic richness contrasts with a middle section that presses forward, returning to the first theme for a conclusion. This is appropriate for recital or festival, in addition to worship services as a prelude or offertory.

All aboard the Orient Express! This collection of imaginative and elegant solos, composed by Barbara Becker, will take your early intermediate students on a sonic tour around the world!

Morning Mediation, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is an elegant and peaceful solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

Chanson, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate-level lyrical solo. With its haunting melody and interesting harmonic turns this piece is useful for recitals, weddings, or church services.

Set Sail, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant showcase solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.

Tappin’ Tango by Jane Tate is an intermediate showcase solo which will have your student ready to dance their fingers on the keyboard! This would be a great addition to a recital or performance.