Rubato

Living in Northern Minnesota, composer Debbie Center feels such conflicted emotions in October. October Mourn conveys the sense of awe when looking at breathtakingly beautiful autumn leaves, while mourning the passage of summer, saying goodbye to human and feathered snowbird friends, bracing for another long and harsh winter, and watching many local businesses close for the season. Playing this piece is cathartic for Debbie, and she hopes it will be for you, too.

Gesú Bambino, arranged in a gentle lyrical style for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the “Easy Christmas Classics” holiday songbook.

O Christmas Tree, arranged in a pensive lyrical style for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the “Easy Christmas Classics” holiday songbook.

Canción de la Guitarra (Song of the Guitar), by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. This etude-like piece features a melody within a wedge-like texture and gives the performer an opportunity to work on voicing, shaping phrases, and rubato.

Autumn Lament, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an easy lyrical solo for late beginners. This piece offers a great opportunity to work on broken sixths, pedaling, and lyrical phrasing.

Simple Gifts in a lyrical setting for early intermediates arranged by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Sacred Spotlight songbook.

America the Beautiful, a patriotic favorite, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, in an elegant lyrical style suitable for early intermediates and up.

Simple Gifts, arranged in a contemporary lyrical style for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This version is part of the “Sounds of the Spirit” sacred songbook.

A meditative arrangement by Stacy Fahrion of Martin Luther’s Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott. This arrangement was written to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

Jazzy Jingle Bells is a fresh and contemporary take on a holiday classic. Rich harmonies and a stylized melodic line make this hand-friendly arrangement a hit for late beginners and early intermediates of all ages.

Waltz of the Flowers, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, stylishly arranged for early intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, combined with Faure’s haunting Pavane, Op. 50 in an elegant setting for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

It Came upon a Midnight Clear arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This elegant lyrical solo, with lush jazz harmonies, will be a great fit for holiday performances.

How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, a traditional British carol, arranged in a lyrical setting for early intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the “Easy Christmas Classics” holiday songbook.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen, elegantly arranged with lush harmonies for early intermediates by Barbara Becker. This holiday selection is part of the Second Scenes from Christmas songbook.

Ding Dong! Merrily on High, elegantly arranged with lush harmonies for early intermediates by Barbara Becker. This holiday selection is part of the Second Scenes from Christmas songbook.

Gesu Bambino, stylishly arranged for early intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Away in a Manger arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. The elegant lyrical setting with lush jazz harmonies will be a great fit for holiday performances.

Deck the Halls is a jazzy version of the traditional classic holiday carol combined with “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” Rich harmonies make this hand-friendly arrangement a hit for early intermediates of all ages.

Silent Night arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. The sophisticated lyrical setting with lush jazz harmonies will be a great fit for holiday performances.

We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. The elegant setting with lush jazz harmonies will be a great fit for holiday performances.

What Child Is This in a delicate, reflective jazz-style setting arranged by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato, lyrical phrasing techniques, and an exploration of nuanced jazz harmonies.

Evergreen Waltz, is an elegant medley featuring “The Holly and the Ivy” and “O Christmas Tree” arranged for early intermediates by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Medley Magic holiday songbook.

Waltz of the Flowers, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, stylishly arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.