Piano Pronto® Movement 5: Soundtrack

Lion-Hearted (Leo) is a vibrant showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.

Recordings for the Dreamweaver songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

Tritone Tarantella is a flashy and dissonant pattern-based tarantella composed by Stacy Fahrion. Ideal for intermediates during Halloween-season or whenever the mood strikes!

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.

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

The idea for this book came from listening to some of my favorite piano literature. Enchanted by the absolutely beautiful, lyrical melodies of Chopin’s Opus 28, I found myself wishing my own intermediate students could enjoy them now, and not just the handful of Preludes that are more accessible for students. As I edited these Preludes with intermediate hands and minds, it was my desire to preserve their full length, in the original keys, and with as much of Chopin’s original markings as possible. I hope you agree the result is a celebration of Chopin’s original work, but now accessible for the intermediate student!

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen arranged for intermediates in a whimsical jazz setting by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Jazzy Jingles Volume 2 songbook.

This mysterious-sounding intermediate-level etude by Stacy Fahrion is ideal for introducing quarter-note triplets to students, and also is a wonderful recital piece. It eases students into playing 2 against 3 and 3 against 2 polyrhythms, and through playing it, students will learn how eighth-note triplets and quarter-note triplets relate. It begins in G Dorian and ends in D minor. Proxima Centauri is the closest star to the sun, but isn’t visible to the eye alone.

A modern twist on Erik Satie’s iconic Gymnopedie No. 1 arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Babbling Brook, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Skye Boat Song, a traditional Scottish folk song, arranged for easy piano solo with a lush teacher duet accompaniment. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

The Lullabies & Laments songbook features eleven originals solos initially inspired in 2023 by the arrival of my grandson Theo. It was clear from the start that gentle piano music consoled him, so I endeavored to write him his own lullaby.

Each dedicated piece requires controlled, balanced and calm playing. The repetitive, gently rocking rhythms aim to be soothing to both player and listener, with an overall relaxing feeling and an easing of any tension.

O Holy Night, elegantly arranged for intermediates by Rick Robertson. This piece is part of the Christmas by Candlelight songbook.

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

Shine, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a lyrical pop ballad for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rock On! Volume 2 songbook.

Early intermediates of all ages will enjoy this fast and flashy holiday arrangement by Chrissy Ricker. This piano solo blends melodies from two holiday favorites: “Carol of the Bells” and “What Child is This.”

Cloak & Dagger is a fast and mysterious solo composed by Ryan Chesser. This showcase selection is ideal for early intermediates of all ages.