Octaves

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.

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.

Glory & Praise, is a sacred medley that combines To God Be the Glory, Praise Him! Praise Him!, and Praise to the Lord, the Almighty. This arrangement by Sandra Zylstra is ideal for intermediates and up.

Elegie, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate solo with a mature sound. It wanders around in some unrelated keys in the manner of Shostakovich, and full chords and octaves add to the overall picture.

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

This is a rock-style, funky piece with a Celtic-like melody and snatched right hand chords. The dotted rhythm in the left hand provides a drive throughout. There is a contrapuntal section where the right hand plays the melody along with a similar one in the left, possibly the hardest part of this work. It is great fun to play, in a true flashy showcase style.

The In Between, is a lyrically melancholy composition by Christina Mathis, that will be a beautiful addition to your studio library. Includes a simplified version for intermediates and the original full version for late intermediate level pianists.

Triumphant, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an uplifting pop-style solo for late intermediates.

Guilty as Charged is a light-hearted contemporary lyrical solo ideal for late intermediate pianists. Words and music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Ballad, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate solo that is suitable for recitals or festivals. It is reminiscent of romantic movie music and builds to a large climax before ending quietly.

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.

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!

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!

This fun ragtime piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a playful nod to Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” A perfect early intermediate showcase solo for Halloween, or any time of year!

Linguine Tarantella, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo. Written in the style of the Neapolitan Tarantella, its exciting dynamic changes and a cascade of flying octaves at the end will make this a showstopper for recital or festival.

Prelude in E Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level showcase solo in a neo-Baroque style. It is written in the style of Bach’s organ works as transcribed for piano by Ferruccio Busoni, and would make a good program opener for a developing pianist. Its minor key and somber sound also makes it suitable as a Halloween selection.

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.

This ethereal piece by Stacy Fahrion quietly subverts the meaning of the famous poem by Lord Byron. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Moonlight Nocturne is a haunting intermediate lyrical solo composed by Lisa Shoemaker. This elegant work is ideal for students who love to play with passion and a touch of drama!

What defines a Halloween piece, other than a piece in a minor key with an eerie title? Inspired by the whimsically macabre words of Edward Gorey, this piece by Stacy Fahrion beckons you into a haunting waltz that defies convention with its 5/8 time signature. It offers rhythmic twists that promise to challenge and enchant late intermediate pianists, turning their practice into a ghostly dance of mystery at the keys. This piece is part of the “These Are Odd Times” songbook.

This is the first “Whimsically Macabre” composition Stacy Fahrion wrote, back in 2012. It begins with a quote from Chopin’s Winter Wind Etude, then segues into hints of a slightly menacing version of Do You Know the Muffin Man.

A hair-raising, haunting tarantella by Stacy Fahrion with an abundance of crunchy minor 2nds and a slower, nostalgic middle section.

Composer Stacy Fahrion transforms A Tisket, A Tasket and part of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean into a whimsically melancholy statement about the pain and inevitability of loss. On the Way I Lost It is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

This exhilarating Toccata by Stacy Fahrion gives advanced pianists an opportunity to showcase their rhythmic skills. A bold hemiola-based theme in 6/8 gives this piece a dancelike rhythmic vitality. Use of the double harmonic major scale makes it sound mysterious and earthy. Ideal for conjuring up drama at Halloween recitals, or any time your students crave a dramatic and rhythmic piece. This piece is part of the “Polyrhythms for Pianists” method book.