An Otherworld Called Sunflowerland is an intermediate-level minimalist solo by Stacy Fahrion. This piece provides many fun rhythmic challenges such as polymeters, two-against-three polyrhythms, and a section with changing meters. Much of the piece sparkles in Mixolydian mode, but the more haunting sections hint at Phrygian Dominant, with an additional flatted 2nd and 6th.
Stars in the Sky invites pianists on a shimmering journey through a magical winter landscape, where each note glimmers like starlight on a cold, clear night. This piece in A minor features a delicate three-against-two rhythm, perfect for developing rhythmic independence while creating an ethereal soundscape. Ideal for winter-themed recitals or any occasion where you want to capture the beauty of the night sky, this piece by Stacy Fahrion invites intermediate pianists to explore rhythm and expression in a way that feels as timeless as the stars themselves. The title is a mnemonic phrase for the composite three against two rhythm.
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.
This gentle, ambient piece will help ease pianists into playing in 5/4 time signature. It features broken fifths in the left hand that only happen on black keys, with a repeating chord progression of I-vi-ii-V in Gb major. The right hand stays in the same hand position throughout, other than leaping up or down by an octave.
A Spell for Focus, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is in 7/4, and is inspired by Raag Jog from Indian classical music. Pianists can count “1 2 3 4 1 2 3” throughout to help them stay focused. In bars 5-8 and 13-16, pianists are encouraged to improvise using the suggested rhythm and the notes C, E, F, G, and B-flat.
A Spell to Find Balance, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is an intermediate piece in A minor designed to ease pianists into improvising. The left-hand part is a two-bar ostinato, and keeping with the theme of balance, all of the right-hand rhythms are palindromic, the same forwards as they are backwards over two bars. The structure of the piece is also mirror-like.
A meditative ambient solo and improvisation exercise for early intermediates by Stacy Fahrion that will set a relaxed and creative tone before, during, or after lessons.
Mountain Rainstorm depicts a storm that rushes in quickly and then gracefully recedes into the mountainscape as swiftly as it arrived, something that happens frequently in the afternoons in the Rocky Mountains. This lively post-minimal piece features broken octaves in the left hand that only happen on black keys. It begins in E-flat Dorian and ends in G-flat major. The time signature regularly alternates between two measures of 6/8 with two measures of 7/8, but the composite rhythm between the hands is simply steady eighth notes.
This mysterious-sounding intermediate-level etude by Stacy Fahrion is ideal for introducing quarter-note triplets to students, and also is a wonderful recital piece. It eases students into playing 2 against 3 and 3 against 2 polyrhythms, and through playing it, students will learn how eighth-note triplets and quarter-note triplets relate. It begins in G Dorian and ends in D minor. Proxima Centauri is the closest star to the sun, but isn’t visible to the eye alone.
The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor for two composed by Stacy Fahrion.
Those Who See, But Are Not Seen is a melancholy solo for sad ghosts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.
Isolation was written in early 2020 by Stacy Fahrion. This expressive intermediate piece begins and ends in 5/4, and features palindromic rhythms (rhythms that are the same backwards and forwards) and a gentle two against three polyrhythm in the middle section.
The Eternal Spectator by Stacy Fahrion is a haunting late-intermediate solo in D minor. Evoking the introspective elegance of Satie with subtle nods to J.S. Bach, this piece unfolds in 5/8 time signature. Its slowly flowing phrases and melancholic undertones invite deep emotional expression and reflection. The title is a phrase from a short story by the speculative fiction author Ursula K. Le Guin.
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.
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 Book of Spells by Stacy Fahrion is designed to ease intermediate pianists of all ages into improvising in different imaginative ways, using different time signatures, modes, pentatonic scales, odd meters, and occasional 2:3 polyrhythms. Each spell has at least one section where pianists have the opportunity to create their own melodies, using a suggested rhythm to help them get started. Most of the pieces feature an ostinato of some kind in the left hand. Several of these pieces are inspired by the composer’s studies of North Indian ragas. This book is ideal for intermediate pianists who would like to learn to improvise and compose their own music, and is also a source of fresh ideas for students who are already improvising and composing.
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.
Distant Bells is an elegant polyrhythmic etude for early intermediates composed by Stacy Fahrion. This piece serves as an excellent introduction to playing two against three between the hands.
Tweedledum & Tweedledee, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a whimsically macabre bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Once Upon a Time songbook.
Something Wicked This Way Strides is an exuberant, late intermediate solo that evokes the Roaring Twenties. Pianists will not only train their left hand to play typical stride leaps, they’ll also learn a few tricky bits of Chopin’s <em>Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2</em>, while they’re at it!
A whimsical 12-tone version of Happy Birthday to play for sad birthdays. Music arranged by Stacy Fahrion.
Echo Games are a playful way to help pianists of any age improve their listening skills, rhythm, and ease their way into improvisation. The games can be played between teacher and student, between two students, or students can play alone with the included Mp3s. Each game includes a wild card phrase that the leader can throw in at any moment to keep the follower on their toes. Both leader and follower should memorize the wild card phrase before beginning the game. The follower is encouraged to play these games without looking at the music. Stacy Fahrion hopes these games will inspire students to improvise, compose, and have fun at the piano!
