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The March of the Toys from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, presented in three versions, appropriate for late beginners through early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Pas de deux from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, presented in three versions, appropriate for late beginners through early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

My Gingerbread Man, is a lilting holiday-themed solo for late beginners and includes an optional teacher duet part. This piece is part of the Roadtrip! Christmas Vacation songbook by Jennifer Eklund and Kris Skaletski.

March of the Toys from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet arranged for easy piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Pas de deux from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet arranged for easy piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Longing for Spring, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.

Dance of the Three Arabian Kings, is a mashup of the Arabian Dance from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet and We Three Kings, stylishly arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Yuletide Treasures songbook.

Once in a Blue Moon is an easy minor-key lyrical solo for late-beginners that is part of Jennifer Eklund’s Pronto Pizazz Volume 2 collection. This short study focuses on working in 6/8 time with dotted rhythms, and includes a lush teacher accompaniment.

Stellar, is an elegant, ethereal solo for late beginners composed by Chrissy Ricker. This piece is part of the Perfect Patterns songbook.

Lullaby is a contemporary lyrical solo ideal for intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Appalachian Rhapsody, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a breathtaking showcase solo for intermediates with varied sections of sweeping lyrical melodies and lively dance themes. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.

Nebula, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a contemporary style, built entirely on the whole-tone scale on C. It gives the performer ample opportunity to explore different sonorities while working on touch and balance.

Mountain Rainstorm depicts a storm that rushes in quickly and then gracefully recedes into the mountainscape as swiftly as it arrived, something that happens frequently in the afternoons in the Rocky Mountains. This lively post-minimal piece features broken octaves in the left hand that only happen on black keys. It begins in E-flat Dorian and ends in G-flat major. The time signature regularly alternates between two measures of 6/8 with two measures of 7/8, but the composite rhythm between the hands is simply steady eighth notes.

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Reflection is a lyrical solo by Sara Tomlinson with a reflective quality. The piece is in 6/8 time in the key of A minor. The listener could easily get lost in the melody, which is supported by a hypnotic left-hand accompaniment.

Something To Come Home To is a cozy and flowing intermediate level lyrical solo by British composer, Joanne Griffiths.

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version, transposed to the key of D minor, is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

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.

Goldeneyes’ Farewell is a gorgeous impressionistic tribute to ten migrating Goldeneye ducks that Debbie Center photographed in front of her Minnesota lake home. Ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

Three Eagles’ Spirit, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version is ideal for advanced level pianists.