Recordings for the Dog Days songbook by Jennifer Eklund.
This slightly sinister stride duet by Stacy Fahrion incorporates a few simplified snippets of Chopin’s Etude in A Minor, Op. 10, No. 2.
Minor Blues for Two by Stacy Fahrion gives the first pianist an opportunity to improvise over a 12-bar blues progression. If played on a grand piano, the pianist can also mute strings inside the piano for an interesting change of tone color.
Sideways Blues is a strange blues by Stacy Fahrion based on an eight-note scale containing these notes: E-F-G-A#-B-C-C#-D-E. Since it’s based only on that scale, most of the chords are not typical blues chords, although it follows a typical 12-bar structure. Students have the option to repeat measures 13-24 and improvise with the right hand over the chords that are already there.
What could possibly be more fun than playing “Gummy Bear Shuffle”? Playing it with a friend! This one begged to be arranged for piano duet, and here it is. Its bouncy rhythms make it fun to listen to, and to play as well. It also could be used as a “non-scary” Halloween piece, or for any performance occasion.
Who doesn’t love gummy bears? Gummy Bear Shuffle, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a playful shuffle style. Its bouncy rhythms make it fun to listen to and play. It also could be used as a “non-scary” Halloween piece, or for any performance occasion.
Once Upon a Whimsically Macabre Time is a collection of intermediate piano solos centered around a theme of macabre stories and characters. In this collection, Stacy Fahrion displays a penchant for minor keys and dance-like rhythms.
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!
Barrelhouse Blues is an evenly-leveled, boogie-woogie style piano duet by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This joyful romp is ideal for intermediates of all ages and is sure to be full-time fun at your next recital!
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.
Walkin’ the Dawg is a bright jazzy swing piece with a bluesy feel by Gary Johnston. Great introduction to learning walking bass lines for the intermediate pianist.
Crocodile Tears, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an upbeat bluesy solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.
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.
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.
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.
Beethoven’s familiar two-note theme is used throughout this evenly-leveled piano duet by Dolce Dolls team Marcia Benson and Heidi Hansen in unexpected ways. This showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and up.
On the Right Track, by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick, is a fast, jazzy showcase duet full of energy and style. This duet is perfect for sibling pairs as the primo is slightly easier than the secondo part.
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.
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.