Something Wicked This Way Strides

This slightly sinister stride duet by Stacy Fahrion incorporates a few simplified snippets of Chopin’s Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2.

On Your Case by Lisa Frederick is a minor-key jazzy showcase solo for late intermediates of all ages. Ideal for students who want spy-themed pieces, this will be a sure-fire hit at your next recital!

This is the first “Whimsically Macabre” composition Stacy Fahrion wrote, back in 2012. It begins with a quote from Chopin’s Winter Wind Etude, then segues into hints of a slightly menacing version of Do You Know the Muffin Man.

Easy on the ears and downright fun to play, Toccata Breve by Paul Sweet packs catchy melodies, interesting harmonies, and showy passagework into a solo both teachers and students will love!

Fun Run by British composer Jenny Walker is a fairly fast advanced level showcase solo. The spirit of a fun run is captured here, with interesting harmonies as the runners twist and turn and an underlying pace for everyone to follow.

Waltz Divine, composed by Jenny Walker, is in the style of a grand waltz. Rubato is encouraged, especially when it comes to reaching the distance in the left hand. The opening section has a catchy and memorable theme. The quieter, second section, is brief and the first idea soon reappears to conclude the piece. This selection is ideal for late intermediates.

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.

Chaos by Lisa Frederick is the perfect showcase solo piece for your students who are begging for fast and flashy minor-key pieces. Ideal for late intermediates of all ages, this will be a hit at your next recital!

Get your body moving with this upbeat boogie-style solo by Paul Sweet. It’s great for working on syncopations, building left-hand agility, teaching the blues scale, and having some major fun!

Nice Little Monster is a bluesy piece by Stacy Fahrion about a creature that is tired of being called a little monster. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Portrait No. 6: Apeñas Amigos is an Intermediate to Late Intermediate work- paying tribute to Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, and it combines elements of both Classical and Jazz idioms. A hauntingly lyrical melody plays throughout the beginning and end of the work, while students will also be exploring various angular sequences as well. Teachers will enjoy this work for its lush harmonic content, perpetual rhythmic drive, as well as teaching various articulations and how to handle various tempi.  Intertwined within this work is a brief section of frenetic chaos, as well as a jovial (and dissonant) left-hand melody, which is sure to give students a real workout!

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.

Cruisin’ is a laid back jazz-waltz solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Ready for a lazy ride in a cool car? This is your ticket to ride!

In his third installment of the Kaleidoscope series, composer Rick Robertson spins a web of evocative, elegant harmonies encapsulated within thirteen spectacular solos for advancing intermediates. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

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.

Fearless, composed by Christina Mathis, is an exciting advanced showcase solo full of energy that is sure to become a favorite in your studio.

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.

Bittersweet is a dramatic contemporary lyrical solo composed by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This minor-key showcase piece will delight late-intermediates of all ages!