Spirited Castle

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!

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

Romance in D Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an elegant solo for late-intermediate and early-advanced-level lyrical pianists of all ages. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

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.

Rain is a pensive lyrical style showcase piano solo for late intermediate pianists. New Age meets Baroque, contemporary styling with elegant contrapuntal touches.

A hair-raising, haunting tarantella by Stacy Fahrion with an abundance of crunchy minor 2nds and a slower, nostalgic middle section.

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.

Whimsy & Wonder features ten delightfully macabre solos for intermediates composed by Stacy Fahrion. These quirky, neoclassical twists on favorite nursery rhymes will delight pianists of all ages who are looking for unique performance pieces.

Wandering is a beautiful, intermediate lyrical solo by composer Lisa Shoemaker. Rubato style and an uplifting sound will make this a student favorite!

“Picking Marigolds” is a composition written by Travis Lohmann. It explores the use of contemporary harmonies, alternating meters, as well as chordal extensions. While still providing a simple and flowing melody, it is taken through a variety of transformations both harmonic and melodic. Students and teachers alike will enjoy picking apart the musical sequences scattered throughout the piece, as well as the overwhelming sense of serenity this piece brings. Definitely could be used as an interlude for a recital program, or even for social gatherings.

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.

Goodnight, Sweet Dreams is a Composers Today award winning composition by Lisa Donovan Lukas. An inspirational contemporary lyrical showcase solo, ideal for the advanced student.

This is a twinkly little whimsical piece in which composer Stacy Fahrion combines Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with Row Row Row Your Boat. This whimsically macabre showcase solo will delight intermediates of all ages!

Falling Slowly is a whimsically macabre lyrical solo composed by Stacy Fahrion. This solo is ideal for intermediates of all ages and is part of the These Are Odd Times songbook.

A playful intermediate level composition by Debbie Center. You’ll love the surprises as it echoes the call of the Song Sparrow and gets it dancing. Free nature play-along track included with purchase!

Portrait No.1, Definitive Road, is a solo composed in the harmonic and melodic tendencies of Thomas Newman. Students will enjoy exploring the mysterious yet emotional chord qualities of this piece, as well as the variations of the melodic theme. This mid-intermediate to advanced level solo by Travis Lohmann is perfect for recital programming, preludes, and more.

Nuit d’etoiles (Starry Night) by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate-level lyrical solo that will appeal to pianists of all ages, and is an excellent introduction to the Impressionist style. Includes glossary of French terms and music history lesson about the Impressionist era.

Waltz for a Six-Legged Octopus by Stacy Fahrion begins whirling gently in 6/8 time, but the real hexapus waltzing starts when the piece shifts to 9/8. This waltz, ideal for intermediates, is for anyone who has ever felt like they’re missing something that everyone else has.