Emerald Gem

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.

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.

Cheaha Skyline, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical piano solo, written in homage to his home state of Alabama. Cheaha Mountain, at 2,413 feet, is the highest point in Alabama.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

Something like Glass, written by British composer, Joanne Griffiths is a study in consistent and even playing of triplets in the right hand, with changing clefs in the left hand that explore the outer areas of the keyboard. Intermediates will enjoy the essence of Philip Glass that flows through this evocative solo.

Remember Me is pop-style lyrical solo composed by Chrisanne Nahum. This piece is ideally suited for intermediates and will delight students of all ages!

When Irish Eyes are Smiling in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Impressions is a suite of contemporary lyrical solos by Jennifer Eklund that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages.

Something To Come Home To is a cozy and flowing intermediate level lyrical solo by British composer, Joanne Griffiths.

Sky, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the “Three Sketches in Blue” suite that is included in the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

Regrets, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediatelevel solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It features a melody in light jazz style featuring some parallel seventh chords, often in stepwise motion. Its sophisticated sound will also appeal to teens and adults. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 2 songbook.

Endearing Irish Charms, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, is a medley of two familiar Irish tunes “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms" and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.” This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Imagination is an upbeat, lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson. The opening features contrary motion between the hands, followed by lyrical and driving sections. If you or your student enjoy music with life and movement, this piece is for you!

Trillium is a graceful lyrical solo composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien. This elegant waltz is ideal for intermediates.

In a Canoe, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate level lyrical solo. Its swaying rhythm suggests the rowing of the oarsman (or oarswoman).

Ebb & Flow is a collection of eleven contemporary solos by British composer, Joanne Griffiths. Intermediates of all ages will enjoy exploring the various genres encapsulated in this collection of ambient solos.