June is a dramatic solo for later intermediate pianists. The mysterious setting evokes the mood of a summer storm with tumultuous wind. Crashing pops of lightning punctuate the primary theme while arpeggiated flourishes mimic the downpour of sudden rain. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.
August is a new age piano solo, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien NCTM, for intermediate and late intermediate pianists. The pedagogical focus of this selection is small hand accessibility. The waltz-time setting and straight eighths are ideal for helping players achieve a fluid technique and a sense of forward motion. The melodic content is “hidden” within the right hand eighths and gives ample opportunity for developing sophisticated voicing.
October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.
Tarantellas are always a student favorite, and this spritely one, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is sure to make your intermediate students shine! This is a great piece to work on quick transitions between open and closed hand positions.
Adrenaline is a fast and flashy minor-key solo composed by Chrisanne Nahum. This showcase solo is ideally suited for intermediates and is a great choice for students who love to play up-tempo selections.
Storm Surge is a fast and furious showcase solo by Chrisanne Nahum. This recital-ready piece is great for students who love minor key flashy solos.
Sand Dance is a quirky little piece with a slightly Arabian feel. Written by British composer Jenny Walker, it fluctuates between the tonal centers of D and E minor. It is lyrical and rhythmic, with the melody existing in the right hand.
Country Jamboree is a lively showcase duet for two early intermediates composed by Jenny Walker that depicts a joyous day at the country carnival. This joyful duo will make a lovely recital or festival selection! Free play-along track included with purchase!
Breaking Free is a fast, lyrical contemporary showcase solo for intermediates of all ages that is also part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.
Toccata Staccata, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato parallel chords with a hint of Latin flavor give the advancing performer an exciting showpiece.
Tango in D, composed by Jenny Walker, starts with a typical tango introduction followed by a precise, rhythmic accompaniment with a sustained melody taken by the upper right hand. The piece contains a certain cheeky-feel combined with the passion of a tango. This selection is ideal for intermediates.
Long Road Home is a lyrical, intermediate level piano solo for pianists of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.
Long Road Home is an intermediate level lyrical duet ideal for students of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund.
Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.
This slightly sinister stride duet by Stacy Fahrion incorporates a few simplified snippets of Chopin’s Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2.
This wistfully whimsical piece by Stacy Fahrion expresses The Farmer in the Dell’s unrequited love for Adele. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.
Wayward Blackbird interweaves Chopin-esque basslines with familiar nursery rhymes This Old Man and Sing a Song of Sixpence in this whimsically macabre showcase solo by Stacy Fahrion.
Composer Stacy Fahrion transforms Three Blind Mice, Itsy Bitsy Spider, and a snippet of Rain, Rain, Go Away into a mystical minor showpiece.
Composer Stacy Fahrion interweaves Hickory Dickory Dock and snippets of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow into this whimsically macabre solo that will delight late intermediates of all ages.
Off the Hook is a flamboyant, rhythmically driven trio for six hands and one piano by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This showcase ensemble work will be a hit with intermediates of any age and will blow the roof off at your next recital!
Slow Rumba, composed by Jenny Walker, is a sassy Latin-style solo full of fun and catchy rhythms. This solo is ideal for intermediates.
Valse Latina, composed by Jenny Walker, an energetic fast waltz for intermediates. This showcase solo will appeal to students of all ages!
Imagination is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.
This is a rock-style, funky piece with a Celtic-like melody and snatched right hand chords. The dotted rhythm in the left hand provides a drive throughout. There is a contrapuntal section where the right hand plays the melody along with a similar one in the left, possibly the hardest part of this work. It is great fun to play, in a true flashy showcase style.