The Last Goodbye, is a contemporary spin on Handel’s “Passacaglia” from Suite No. 7. This elegant arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages!
Too Bad, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is rockin’ pop-style solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rock On! Volume 2 songbook.
Awakening is a minor-key showcase solo composed by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is ideal for intermediates and is part of the Let’s Quest Volume 2 songbook.
Memories, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist. It could also be used as wedding or service music.
The Eagle’s Flight, composed by Sarah Barintine, is an intermediate level lyrical showcase solo. The composer, a former student of Rick Robertson, wrote it at the age of 13. It has teen appeal, and is suitable for recital performance.
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.
February is a syncopated tune in triple meter for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. A lyrical variation replaces the principle theme in the second half of this minor piece. Students are not required to play a greater span than an octave in the left hand accompaniment, and the perpetual motion of the harmonic rhythm drives the sense of forward motion.
December is a contemplative lyrical intermediate piano solo by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. As with all music, imagery or stories may come to mind when performing or hearing the piece. For the composer, it brings to mind a nighttime journey to Bethlehem by a woman great with child and her husband. This hand-friendly piece will delight intermediates of all ages!
O Sacred Head Now Wounded, the classic Passion hymn, arranged by Robyn Fehrenbacher. This reflective minor key piece is perfect for preludes, offertories, and communion church services year round, as well as during the season of Lent and Easter.
Pearls by Jenny Walker is a beautifully lyrical gem of a piece, and forms a delightful intermezzo. Its simplicity and expressiveness provides an emotional escapism for intermediate players. The main harmony base fluctuates between minor and major keys, creating a beautiful melody which itself is merely a simple motif.
Glad Rags by Jenny Walker is a catchy, modern ragtime duet that fluctuates between minor and major keys. The second provides the main rhythmic drive whilst the primo part has long, single notes and syncopated snippets. This showcase duet serves as a fun introduction to the ragtime style.
Faded Memories, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant melancholy solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.
Winter Wind, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
The Storm, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a fast & flashy showcase solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
Babbling Brook, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
Longing for Spring, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
Reflection is a lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson with a reflective quality. The piece is in 6/8 time in the key of A minor. The listener could easily get lost in the melody, which is supported by a hypnotic left-hand accompaniment.
Chasing The Dream is an energetic, contemporary lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson. The left-hand accompaniment creates a steady rhythmic force underneath the lyrical and driving melodies in this piece. This piece is suitable for intermediate students of all ages.
Imagination is an upbeat, lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson. The opening features contrary motion between the hands, followed by lyrical and driving sections. If you or your student enjoy music with life and movement, this piece is for you!
Possibilities by Sara Tomlinson is a flowing, contemporary solo with a dynamic, flashy middle section. The unusual harmonies, mixing the sounds of major and minor, open the listener’s mind to endless possibilities.
Something like Glass, written by British composer, Joanne Griffiths is a study in consistent and even playing of triplets in the right hand, with changing clefs in the left hand that explore the outer areas of the keyboard. Intermediates will enjoy the essence of Philip Glass that flows through this evocative solo.
Emerald Gem, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a haunting melody. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.
Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.
This is a wistful waltz by Jenny Walker, with a slightly quirky melody and steady waltz-like base line. The middle section has a deeper, more self-assured feel and switches to the major key. The piece is to be played with extreme sensitivity, especially at the end when the marionette finally runs out of steam.