April

Keep the Change is a lyrical jazz waltz in B minor with a written out improvisation. Great as a launching point for intermediates into jazz studies.

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.

The Reawakening is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Impressions songbook.

Promise of Spring, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant, uplifting solo that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece works well for church services, recitals, or any other performance opportunity.

Something Else, by British composer Joanne Griffiths, has a gently meandering melody over an accompaniment of two patterns, two chords and two time signatures. A little quirky lilt changing from 3/4 to 4/4 time will keep your students counting.

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

Edvard Grieg’s lyric piece, To Spring, arranged for intermediate piano solo by Jennifer Eklund. Retains the original key signature, but shortens, and simplifies the main theme. Part of the Piano Pronto: Encore method book.

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.

Kiss the Stars is a pop-style lyrical solo by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This elegant selection is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

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.

Strolling Down a Country Road is a medley of two Eklund favorites, Down a Country Road and Strolling. Contemporary lyrical music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Based on the traditional English folk song and nursery rhyme, “Lavender’s Blue,” this delightful arrangement by Jenny Walker adds unexpected harmonies and key changes. The march-like 4/4 section gives a new, sombre feel which quickly gives way to a brighter, more flamboyant ending.

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!

Moose on the Loose is a jazzy showcase piano solo by Lisa Frederick. This delightful hard-romping swing solo is an ideal spotlight piece for late-intermediates of all ages.

Composer Stacy Fahrion interweaves Hickory Dickory Dock and snippets of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow into this whimsically macabre solo that will delight late intermediates of all ages.

Graceful and charming, this original bagatelle by Paul Sweet is as delightful as a spring day. Teachers and students will delight in shaping its multi-voice textures and expressive potential.

All aboard! Choo-Choo-Boogie is a blues-boogie style piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. This showcase solo, ideal for advancing intermediates will delight students of all ages!

Minor Details is an easy, swing-style solo, designed to reinforce proper phrasing, staccato, legato, and accenting techniques. It’s the “details” that make this showcase solo both fun and functional! Part of the Easy Spotlight Solos songbook.