High Five, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level jazz showcase solo in 5/4 time. It has a rhythmic drive and is an audience pleaser.
July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.
Take It Easy, is a smooth jazz solo composed by Joanne Griffiths full of lush harmonies and a lilting rhythmic flow. This piece is part of the Double Takes songbook that features progressive pairs of jazz, rags, and blues-inspired solos.
Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.
City Jazz Club, a selection from Sarah Reaser O’Brien’s Star City Solos songbook, is an upbeat jazzy solo ideal for intermediates of all ages.
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.
Sock Hop Doo-Wop is a classic 1950s style shuffle composed as a duet by Rick Robertson. This intermediate level showcase works as a duet for two pianos or for one piano. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
When You Smile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a lyrical light-pop or jazz style. It is dedicated to jazz singer Dubby Spivak, widow of the American bandleader Charlie Spivak, who is a friend of the composer.
Takin’ it Easy, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a jazz-shuffle style. It is fun to play, fits well under the hands, and will make a splash on any recital program.
Midnight on the Bayou is a bluesy minor-key solo composed by Chrissy Ricker. This showcase piece, part of the Perfect Patterns PLUS songbook, is suitable for intermediates of all ages and a great exercise in left-hand leaps.
Here Comes Trouble, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a rockin’ jazzy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rock On! Volume 2 songbook.
Walkin’ Tall is an intermediate level jazz style piano solo with a walking bassline that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.
Rolling Blues, composed by Gary Johnston, is a bluesy early intermediate solo by Gary Johnston featuring triplets, a walking base line, syncopation and room for improvisation using the C blues scale.
Innuendo is a Latin-flavored jazz piece in a minor key composed by Gary Johnston. The chord symbols are included for those who wish to improvise.
Windy Blues is a jazz-style solo ideal for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick.
New Kid on the Block is a jazz-style showcase solo perfect for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and is part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 and Dog Days Songbooks.
When the Saints Go Marching In arranged as a jazz solo for early intermediate violinists of all ages. Includes a romping teacher accompaniment making this a great piece for recitals or other performance opportunities.
Midnight Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a contemplative, gentle solo, based on seventh-chords with a five-finger repetitive phrase. Variations on a theme, balancing the melody, harmonic structure and creating an atmosphere are all techniques required to play this mournful tune.
Funky Dunky is a fun and energetic riff-based blues piece composed by Gary Johnston. This pattern-based piece is ideal for early intermediates and is a great way to introduce 12-bar blues, swing feel, and parallel motion in the hands.
Back to School Boogie, composed by Gary Johnston, is a lively riff blues with a good old boogie-woogie left hand. The middle section of this early-intermediate solo features a bluesy variation on the ABC song!
Strolling’ is a bouncy little jazz piece composed by Gary Johnston featuring a tuba-like bass line in New Orleans-style.
Plink! Plank! Plonk! is a whimsical, novelty swing tune by Gary Johnston for early intermediate players featuring a walking bass line, grace notes, syncopation, and a modulation.
Song for a Sunny Day, composed by Christina Mathis, will be a fun addition to your summer repertoire. You and your early intermediate students will enjoy playing this joyful, upbeat piece!
Summertime Rag, composed by Jenny Walker, is an upbeat, bouncy ragtime solo for early intermediates.