Misty Rain, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.
A Brighter Day, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in an inspirational lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and its uplifting mood makes it an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.
Black Cat Boogie, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early-intermediate jazzy showcase solo in a Boogie-Woogie style. It is very effective in performance, and should be a hit on any recital program. It is purposefully written in G-flat major, and uses black-key pentatonic melodies.
Up in the Air is an upbeat solo for very early beginners of all ages that includes a teacher duet. This piece can be taught by note, rote, or finger number and features bass clef notation and the use of a group of three black keys with the left hand. Part of the Rising Starz Volume 1 songbook.
Soaring is a lyrical duet that uses two black keys and two easy rhythmic values. This duet is ideal for very early beginners of all ages. This piece can be taught by note, rote, or finger number. Part of the Rising Starz Volume 1 songbook.
Enchanted Garden is a sparkling, contemplative showcase solo for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is a gentle way to introduce the key of G-flat major, can easily be taught by rote, and provides an opportunity to work on rubato with students in the early stages of lessons.
This gentle, ambient piece will help ease pianists into playing in 5/4 time signature. It features broken fifths in the left hand that only happen on black keys, with a repeating chord progression of I-vi-ii-V in Gb major. The right hand stays in the same hand position throughout, other than leaping up or down by an octave.
Raindrop Prelude is an intermediate level arrangement of Chopin’s masterwork. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Piano Pronto: Finale method book.
Tristesse, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. Its “nocturne” or “romance” style lends it to recital or festival performance, as well as in service playing.
Live for Today, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level inspirational lyrical solo. It appeals to pianists of all ages and can be used as service music as well.
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.
Indian Summer, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is a reflective ambient solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
Chopin’s iconic Fantaisie Impromptu, arranged in a contemporary lyrical style by Jennifer Eklund. This solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.
This piece was inspired by a breathtaking midnight kayak ride on our lake in northern Minnesota. It was my birthday, and the water was completely still, beautifully reflecting every star as well as the rising Super Moon.
Debussy’s Girl with the Flaxen Hair arranged for intermediates that retains the original key but simplifies many of the large stretches . Part of the Piano Pronto: Encore method book.
Autrefois (In Olden Days), composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate lyrical solo that is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals. It recalls the Paris of the late nineteenth century, with its evocation of early Impressionism. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 3 songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Amazing Grace, by Rick Robertson, is an early-advanced level arrangement of the beloved American hymn tune. It is useful for recital or worship use.
Romance in D Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an elegant solo for late-intermediate and early-advanced-level lyrical pianists of all ages. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.
Nuit d’etoiles (Starry Night) by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate-level lyrical solo that will appeal to pianists of all ages, and is an excellent introduction to the Impressionist style. Includes glossary of French terms and music history lesson about the Impressionist era.
Serious Moonlight, composed by Ron Levy, is a contemporary lyrical solo, inspired by Claude Debussy’s Clair de lune, for intermediates and late intermediates.
Wandering is a beautiful, intermediate lyrical solo by composer Lisa Shoemaker. Rubato style and an uplifting sound will make this a student favorite!
This new lyrical solo from Ryan Chesser is perfect for sipping coffee at your window on wintry days. There are lots of opportunities here for expressiveness, rubato, and plenty of sparkly, crisp notes.
Beauty in simplicity is the key to this arrangement of a traditional German carol: one that doesn’t turn up often on Christmas programs. This arrangement by Rick Robertson for intermediates is part of the Christmas Memories songbook.
Gesu Bambino, with a splash of “Caro Mio Ben,” stylishly arranged for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.