Daytime Dreamin’

For many people, November is a month for giving thanks. This intermediate piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM, is a contemporary rendering of a hymn-like melody. November symbolizes a musical token of gratitude for family and friends who have been with us through good times and bad and with whom we love to spend our time. The ternary form offers an uplifting first section followed by a middle theme of more serious and reflective implication. The middle theme modulates into a return of the first in a new key, representing a triumphant overcoming of life’s struggles with the help of those we hold dear.

Vanished is a haunting, minor key, contemporary lyrical piano solo for intermediates. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the New Horizons songbook.

Sky’s the Limit is an intermediate level contemporary lyrical solo by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Capture the Moment is lyrical pop-style solo for intermediates composed by Heather Nanney. With its intriguing melodic lines, this is a great recital piece for all ages.

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.

Petite Reverie is a contemporary lyrical solo composed by Rick Robertson that will appeal to pianists of all ages. Full of lush harmonies and a sweeping melody this piece will suit any occasion including church services and weddings.

Triumphant, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an uplifting pop-style solo for intermediates.

Hold On is a lyrical pop solo ideal for intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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.

Dreamweaver is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music by Jennifer Eklund. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

February is a syncopated tune in triple meter for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. A lyrical variation replaces the principle theme in the second half of this minor piece. Students are not required to play a greater span than an octave in the left hand accompaniment, and the perpetual motion of the harmonic rhythm drives the sense of forward motion.

Keepin’ It Light is an energetic pop-style solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Enjoy the Ride songbook.

Guiding Light is a flowing, contemporary lyrical solo for late-intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece makes for a wonderful recital showcase piece and is part of the New Horizons songbook.

New Horizons is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates that is also part of the New Horizons Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

This is a lyrical piano ballad in waltz time for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melody is made almost entirely of ascending and descending pentascales (5-note scales) on white keys. The accompaniment for left hand requires a hand span primarily of melodic octaves with an occasional melodic tenth. The ternary form features a middle section with surprising harmonies and a deceptive cadence. Middle and high school students will find this piece both accessible and rewarding.

Look to the Sky, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical, elementary level solo. It has the bonus of an optional duet/obligato part, playable on piano, flute, or violin.

Mystery and uncertainty are just around the corner with this minor key solo by Ryan Chesser. This piece is great for teaching artistic expression and balance between hands. Your moody teenage students will love this expressive showcase solo!

Scenic Route is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for early intermediates and up of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.