Meditation (from Thais)

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Awkward Waltz is a tender, minor-key anthem for introverts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This contemplative gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version is ideal for advanced level pianists.

In Harmony All Ways features nine ambient, lyrical solos by composer Debbie Center. These soothing piano reflections inspired by Minnesota’s Lake Country will provide enjoyment for intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages.

Chopin’s iconic Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1, remixed in a modern lyrical spin by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version, includes all sections of the original piece, is ideal for late intermediate and advanced level pianists.

Pernicious Pumpkin is a whimsically macabre concoction of nursery rhymes by Stacy Fahrion. This eclectic, minor-key gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

Lyric for Piano is an MTAC Composers Today award winning composition by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This lyrical, contemporary showcase solo, is an ideal performance piece for the advanced student of any age!

Little Tarantella, composed by Jenny Walker, mimics the Italian style of folk dance that has an upbeat, triple time tempo accompanied by tambourines. This lively solo is ideal for advancing intermediates of all ages.

Portrait No.3 A Treasured Moment, is a late intermediate solo composed by Travis Lohmann, which pays homage to the Impressionistic colors of French composer Claude Debussy. A contemplative beginning with resonant and sonorous chords is a fantastic way to get students thinking about touch and tone color when performing. The increasingly more energetic middle section allows students to become more dexterous with rapid arpeggiated extended chords, as well as the evocative colors of the whole tone scale. The piece concludes with a distant call-back to the original main theme with jazz-influenced harmonies before having a triumphant send off of lush chords reminiscent of bells tolling far away.

A whimsical 12-tone version of Happy Birthday to play for sad birthdays. Music arranged by Stacy Fahrion.

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.

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.

To the Sea, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative tone poem for piano solo, depicting morning mist, sea life (birds, crabs, seals), and gannets leading us to the majesty of the open sea. A beautiful piece for all maturing pianists of all ages at the late-intermediate level and beyond.

With its catchy rhythmic drive and harmonic twists, Tango Twist, composed by Jenny Walker is a joy to play, a pleasure to listen to and a real showcase piece for adventurous students and teachers alike.

Dream Clouds by Rick Robertson is an early intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and its passagework lies easily under the hands, making it sound more difficult than it is.

Stacy Fahrion wrote Nice Tardigrade so that beginner pianists can enjoy playing polyrhythms and playing in Dorian mode. “Nice tardigrade” is a mnemonic phrase like “hot cup of tea” or “not difficult” that may help pianists remember the sound of a three against two polyrhythm. Tardigrades are resilient microscopic creatures that look like tiny bears. They have existed on Earth for about 600 million years.

Disjointed Waltz, composed by Jenny Walker, is an evocative waltz with a few surprises. It contains some dynamic time and key changes. It has been written with the advanced player in mind, though rubato could be used to make things easier. The changeover to 6/8 works well and the syncopated rhythms are very effective.