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.
Prelude in E Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo in a neo-Baroque style. It is written in the style of Bach’s organ works as transcribed for piano by Ferruccio Busoni, and would make a good program opener for a developing pianist. Its minor key and somber sound also makes it suitable as a Halloween selection.
Toccata Lyrica, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a flashy, but lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent recital or festival choice for a developing pianist.
January is a high-energy showcase solo with an uplifting principle theme, dramatic middle section, and flashy ending. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.
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.
Space Waltz, composed by Ron Levy, is a delightful showcase solo for intermediates. This cinematic-style solo will serve as a great performance piece for recitals.
Horsin’ Around, composed by Ron Levy, is a Western-themed showcase for intermediates. This solo offers a great opportunity to work on articulations and to dynamically highlight the subtle rhythmic variations of the main theme.
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.
This hornpipe composed by Jenny Walker is a lively piece, depicting a jolly sea dance on the deck of a pirate ship. Captain Conrad is fictitious and is portrayed as a cheeky chap. The middle section is a smoother, minor feel, depicting the rolling waves as the ship becomes unsteady.
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.
Dancing Marionettes, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an upbeat showcase solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.
Paper Airplane by Sara Tomlinson is an expressive and flowing piece at the late intermediate level. Students will find the chromatic scales and left-hand crossovers fun and impressive. Suitable for students for intermediates of all ages.
The Knight’s Quest, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is a flashy showcase solo for intermediate pianists of any age. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.
Set Sail, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant showcase solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.
High Speed Chase, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is a fast and flashy solo for intermediates of all ages. This showcase piece will perk up any recital or performance opportunity!
Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.
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.
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!
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.
Chaos by Lisa Frederick is the perfect showcase solo piece for your students who are begging for fast and flashy minor-key pieces. Ideal for late intermediates of all ages, this will be a hit at your next recital!