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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get your body moving with this upbeat boogie-style solo by Paul Sweet. It’s great for working on syncopations, building left-hand agility, teaching the blues scale, and having some major fun!
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!
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.
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.