Babbling Brook, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
Celestial Cloud, by Rick Robertson, is and ambient, new age style space piece that has lots of potential as a pupil saver. Highly pattern-based in natured this piece will bring guaranteed success to early intermediates of all ages.
Triumphant, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an uplifting pop-style solo for intermediates.
Appalachian Rhapsody, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a breathtaking showcase solo for intermediates with varied sections of sweeping lyrical melodies and lively dance themes. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.
Shine, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a lyrical pop ballad for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rock On! Volume 2 songbook.
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.
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.
Remember When, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic ambient style. The opening section consists of harmonies divided between the hands, and a middle section adds some melodic interest. It is another of the composer’s favorites, is suitable for service playing, and is part of the Souvenirs songbook.
If You Believe, composed 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 can also be used in wedding or service playing.
Return Home, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate lyrical solo that has much potential as recital or service music.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Romantic Stroll, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
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.
Music Box is a lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson in the key of A major. Much of the piece is written with both hands in the upper register, creating a light and airy feeling. The middle section gives the impression of the turning and spinning movement inside the music box. Listeners of all ages will enjoy the sounds and sentiments of the music box.
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.
Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.
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.