Advanced rhythms

On Your Toes! by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate level showcase solo that provides an opportunity to experience asymmetrical meter-in this case, 5/8 time. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and will make an effective recital selection.

Heptagon, by Rick Robertson, is an early-intermediate level showcase solo. A heptagon is a polygon with seven sides and seven angles. This piece, written in 7/8 time, gives a young pianist an opportunity to explore a relatively uncommon asymmetrical meter with a brief, driving, toccata-style showpiece.

Street Cat Strut, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a sassy funk-style solo for early intermediates and up. This piece is part of the Cool Cats songbook.

Don’t Go, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a lyrical pop ballad for intermediates. This piece is part of the Rock On! Volume 2 songbook.

Five-Speed! by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a rhythmic contemporary style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

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.

Ocean, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a showcase lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Isolation was written in early 2020 by Stacy Fahrion. This expressive intermediate piece begins and ends in 5/4, and features palindromic rhythms (rhythms that are the same backwards and forwards) and a gentle two against three polyrhythm in the middle section.

Moose on the Loose is a jazzy showcase piano solo by Lisa Frederick. This delightful hard-romping swing solo is an ideal spotlight piece for late-intermediates of all ages.

Beside Still Waters, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo with a mature sound. The rhythmic shifts and harmonic blends add to the effect.This piece is equally suited for recital or worship use.

Off the Hook is a flamboyant, rhythmically driven trio for six hands and one piano by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This showcase ensemble work will be a hit with intermediates of any age and will blow the roof off at your next recital!

Valse Latina, composed by Jenny Walker, an energetic fast waltz for intermediates. This showcase solo will appeal to students of all ages!

Debussy’s Girl with the Flaxen Hair arranged for intermediates that retains the original key but simplifies many of the large stretches . Part of the Piano Pronto: Encore method book.

Autrefois (In Olden Days), composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate lyrical solo that is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals. It recalls the Paris of the late nineteenth century, with its evocation of early Impressionism. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 3 songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Cruisin’ is a laid back jazz-waltz solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Ready for a lazy ride in a cool car? This is your ticket to ride!

Inner Turmoil is a fury-filled, fast and flashy advanced showcase piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Perfect for teens looking for an impressive spotlight solo for their next performance.

The Madison Suite, composed by Barbara Becker, is a three-movement set of character pieces for late intermediate pianists that spans a variety of genres and will showcase the artistic skills of developing artists.

Wandering is a beautiful, intermediate lyrical solo by composer Lisa Shoemaker. Rubato style and an uplifting sound will make this a student favorite!

Fun Run by British composer Jenny Walker is a fairly fast advanced level showcase solo. The spirit of a fun run is captured here, with interesting harmonies as the runners twist and turn and an underlying pace for everyone to follow.

Fearless, composed by Christina Mathis, is an exciting advanced showcase solo full of energy that is sure to become a favorite in your studio.

Clocks by Joanne Griffiths has a contemporary feel with echoes of Philip Glass. Control, balance and concentration will be needed to maintain the 2 against 3 cross rhythms. Ideal for intermediates of all ages!

Portrait No. 6: Apeñas Amigos is an Intermediate to Late Intermediate work- paying tribute to Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, and it combines elements of both Classical and Jazz idioms. A hauntingly lyrical melody plays throughout the beginning and end of the work, while students will also be exploring various angular sequences as well. Teachers will enjoy this work for its lush harmonic content, perpetual rhythmic drive, as well as teaching various articulations and how to handle various tempi.  Intertwined within this work is a brief section of frenetic chaos, as well as a jovial (and dissonant) left-hand melody, which is sure to give students a real workout!

A modern lyrical spin on the third movement of the Spring concerto from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This advanced piano solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.