Octaves

Ash Grove, a traditional Welsh melody and hymn of Thanksgiving, arranged for intermediates by Sandra Zylstra.

Dance Upon High, is an elegant medley featuring the Russian Dance from “The Nutcracker” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” arranged for early intermediates by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Medley Magic holiday songbook.

Good King Swing, is a jazzy spin on the holiday favorite “Good King Wenceslas.” This intermediate level solo by Chrissy Ricker is guaranteed to liven up your holiday performance!

The iconic Ukrainian Bell Carol, artfully mixed with the Rachmaninoff Prelude “The Bells of Moscow” in an intermediate level arrangement by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Medley Magic Volume 2 holiday songbook.

Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, arranged for intermediates, by Lisa Donovan Lukas.

Medley from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, including the Pas de deux and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, arranged for intermediates, by Lisa Donovan Lukas.

Patapan is Stacy Fahrion’s showcase arrangement of the classic French Christmas carol. In the original lyrics, “turerurelu, patapatapan” mimic the sound of the flute and drum. This version gradually builds to a heavily syncopated finale.

Festive Frolic, composed by Jenny Walker, is a quirky piece full of fun. Starting and finishing in the upper end of the keyboard, it slowly creeps down until we get just a hint of Jingle Bells together with left-hand chord leaps, which can be played slightly slower. The last part of the piece completes the musical sandwich with a playful ending.

Deck the Halls arranged as a lively holiday showcase solo by Jenny Walker. After a flamboyant introduction, the first section has a walking bass with a single-note melody in the right hand. The second has a much more modern feel, with syncopated chords in a pop-rock style.

Bell Carol Waltz is a fresh spin on a holiday favorite arranged here for intermediates by Amanda W. Smith!

The Birthday of a King, a sacred holiday solo, arranged for late intermediates by Sandra Zylstra.

Once in Royal David’s City, arranged by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate level arrangement of a less-familiar Christmas carol. It will make an effective recital selection, a prelude for church services, or perhaps for the Festival of Lessons and Carols.

Away in a Manger is a gentle, flowing arrangement that combines the two versions of this popular holiday tune that are well-known in both the U.K. and the U.S. Music by Jenny Walker.

This kaleidoscopic rendering of Rejoice and Be Merry by Paul Sweet combines brilliant effects and a danceable tune to make this arrangement a welcome departure from standard holiday fare.

The Sussex Carol (sometimes called “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing”) is a very popular carol in England. This arrangement by Jenny Walker, has a jaunty, 6/8 feel and is similar in style to “I Saw Three Ships”. It is a lovely, lilting carol with a joyous, rhythmic sway.

O Little Town of Bethlehem in a peaceful setting by Paul Sweet that recalls the wondrous events of a night long ago. Rich harmonization and a gently sweeping accompaniment beautifully frame this holiday favorite.

Yeti or Not, Here I Come!, by Rick Robertson, is a late elementary level showcase solo. This piece is especially useful as a “spooky” or “scary” solo for Halloween recitals (it depicts a game of “Hide and Seek” with Bigfoot), but it could be used in any other non-seasonal program.

Winter Frost, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate lyrical solo. Its plaintive sound makes it an interesting reflective solo. The melody is primarily in the left hand.

Free Spirit (Aquarius) is a whimsical contemporary solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

In It to Win It is a fast and energetic pop-style showcase solo by Chrisanne Nahum for intermediates of all ages. This multi-level pack features two versions to accommodate students with smaller hands.

The first movement theme from Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in G minor, arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece, which includes a music history lesson, is part of the Mozart: Exploring His Life & Music songbook.

Beethoven’s Ecossaise in G, a staple repertoire piece, arranged for early intermediate piano by Carl Czerny and edited by Jennifer Eklund. This piece, which includes a music history lesson, is part of the Beethoven: Exploring His Life & Music songbook.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for 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.