The Butterfly

Floating Along is a sophisticated, lyrical solo by Ryan Chesser. Patterned to fit easily under the hands, it is deceptively simple and perfect for students in Piano Pronto Movement 2 or 3.

Weeping Willow is a delicate, reflective solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for early intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato and lyrical phrasing techniques.

The Secret is a mysterious, minor-key lyrical solo for early intermediates of all ages by Jennifer Eklund. This elegant piece offers the opportunity for budding musicians to explore nuanced harmonies and work on expressive playing and use of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Reassurance, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a gentle sway in its rhythm, and a memorable melody. It could also be used as worship service music. It was inspired by the self-isolation and “social distancing” of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

Rain is Falling, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a flashy Impressionistic style. It is very effective in performance, and its highly-patterned writing is easy to learn, and sounds more difficult than it is.

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Contentment, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical solo for early intermediates with a mature sound. Long pedal effects add to the atmosphere.

Mystic River is an ambient minor key solo, for early intermediates, composed by Jennifer Eklund. This ethereal solo makes for a lovely recital selection and provides an effective introduction to the concept of rubato.

Goldeneyes’ Farewell is a gorgeous impressionistic tribute to ten migrating Goldeneye ducks that Debbie Center photographed in front of her Minnesota lake home. Ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

Morning Sounds is an easy lyrical solo for beginners composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien that includes lyrics. This piece serves as a great introduction to playing in waltz-time, crossovers, and easy open-fifth position shifts with the left hand.

Reminiscense, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a haunting melody with a contrasting middle section.

First Flower, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a great exercise to introduce students to shifting meters and rubato. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

Summer Evening, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a light-jazz lyrical style. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and makes an excellent performance choice.

Morning Stretch is a lyrical contemporary arrangement of Grieg’s Morning Theme and is part of the Dog Days songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Lullaby is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

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