Leaps

Passacaglia, by Rick Robertson is a late-intermediate level lyrical solo. The ostinato bass begins simply and quietly, and builds to a triumphant conclusion. Besides its technical value, it is a very effective recital and festival selection. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope: Volume 3 songbook.

Left Alone, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level written for left hand alone. It appeals to pianists of all ages, and can also be played by both hands. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Once Upon a Time is a whimsically macabre solo composed by Stacy Fahrion that is part of the songbook of the same title. This eerie showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and beyond.

May You Find Your Peace, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. The composer aimed to write a solo with a peaceful, soothing mood for times when a pianist just needs to be “alone with their instrument.” Although it is “very personal,” it is suitable to be shared in a worship service or a recital.

In My Dreams, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is inspired by romantic film music and will make an excellent recital choice for a sensitive player. This piece is part of the Lyric Moments songbook.

Un Souvenir, composed by Rick Robertson, is a left-hand only intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. Besides the benefit as a “pupil saver” for pianists with right-hand injuries, it gives any performer the opportunity to work on balancing melody and accompaniment in the same hand, and use of pedal to tie the texture together. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.

NOTE: This piece is a selection for the 2025-26 ABRSM Syllabus (Grade 4 A20)

Something on the Slide is a Satie-esque waltz composed by British composer Joanne Grifiths. The accompaniment is built on two positions, C and G, with octave leaps from the bass to the chord. Awareness of balance between the hands is needed for this, to bring out the melody.

Silent Slumber is an introspective contemporary lyrical solo by Ryan Chesser. This selection, graded for intermediates, will be a lovely performance selection for pianists of all ages.

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.

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.

A playful intermediate level composition by Debbie Center. You’ll love the surprises as it echoes the call of the Song Sparrow and gets it dancing. Free nature play-along track included with purchase!

Wistful Waters is a late-intermediate to early-advanced piano work composed by Travis Lohmann. It merges together minimalistic styles as well as elements of French Impressionism, while still focusing on lyrical phrasing and robust melodies. It is a wonderful work with a shimmering beginning, a vigorously emotional middle, and a tempestuous ending. Students will absolutely be enraptured by the ending cadenza. Teachers will enjoy instructing students on various techniques such as: hand-crossing, polyrhythms, rhythmic evenness, and even tremolo!

The Coral Reef is a peacefully elegant a one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand.

No Second Chances is a fast & flashy one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand.

Don’t Be Blue is a jazzy one-handed solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Hoedown Showdown, composed by Rick Robertson, features changing hand positions, and has a brief passage of open fifths to suggest the fiddle. This showcase solo is well-suited for late-beginners of all ages.

Ludwig’s Groove is a playful spin on the Victory Theme from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor. This rockin’ arrangement by Chrissy Ricker will be sure to delight early intermediates of all ages!

Roker Park Rag is a jaunty, early intermediate piano solo by British composer Joanne Griffiths. It is a fun character piece with chromaticism, staccato octave jumps, and lots of opportunity for comedic expression.

Ragtime Rhapsody, is a ragtime spin on Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.” This fast & flashy arrangement by Chrissy Ricker, ideal for intermediates, will dazzle audiences at your next recital.

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.

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!

Waltz Divine, composed by Jenny Walker, is in the style of a grand waltz. Rubato is encouraged, especially when it comes to reaching the distance in the left hand. The opening section has a catchy and memorable theme. The quieter, second section, is brief and the first idea soon reappears to conclude the piece. This selection is ideal for late intermediates.

A worshipful intermediate solo by teacher and church pianist Christina Mathis. With its lyrical melody and full chords, this piece will enhance any worship service or recital.

Meditation, from Thais by Jules Massenet, is arranged for solo piano in loving memory of my father, concert violinist Hy Shulman. I have such wonderful memories of Dad playing this piece on his violin at family gatherings. Years later, I repeatedly played a recording of Thais when I was pregnant with our son. He grew up to be an accomplished violinist himself and reminds me so much of my father! The cover photo is a self-portrait of me sitting with our son on our dock while gazing at the Milky Way.