Cookie Waltz has its origin in my very first composition, written while an undergraduate at Orange Coast College under the tutelage of Dr. Edith Smith. The original title, Mookwipp No. 1, seemed a bit strange in retrospect, so I transformed it thus: mook–> cook–>cookie…Cookie Waltz!
Bunessan, a traditional Gaelic melody, artfully arranged by Kevin Costley for intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Hymns of Joy sacred songbook.
Un Souvenir, composed by Rick Robertson, is a left-hand only intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. Besides the benefit as a “pupil saver” for pianists with right-hand injuries, it gives any performer the opportunity to work on balancing melody and accompaniment in the same hand, and use of pedal to tie the texture together. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.
Evening Elegy, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a lyrical gem with a rhapsodic middle section and plenty of room for students to work on lyrical phrasing and rubato. This intermediate level solo is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries Volume Two songbook.
Walnut Waltz is a whimsical jazz waltz for early intermediates composed by Ron Levy. Make sure to check out the teaching demo video included with this listing highlighting key performance elements. This piece is part of the Jazz Salad songbook.
Please don’t have a cow when I tell you that “Have a Cow!”, the title, came last. First I wrote the lyrics, on a whim – just going with what the melody suggested. But then cows did appear – first in measure 9, and then literally in measure 31. Of course the title followed naturally, because, well, “cows must go ahead”!
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.”
Seaside, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate contemporary lyrical solo. With its gentle syncopation, it suggests a modern barcarolle.
In a Canoe, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate level lyrical solo. Its swaying rhythm suggests the rowing of the oarsman (or oarswoman).
A Gentle Strength (Cancer) is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”
Paper Airplane by Sara Tomlinson is an expressive and flowing piece at the late intermediate level. Students will find the chromatic scales and left-hand crossovers fun and impressive. Suitable for students for intermediates of all ages.
Five-Speed! by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo in a rhythmic contemporary style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist.
12th Street Rag, composed by Euday L. Bowman, an infectious little ear-worm, arranged as an evenly-leveled early intermediate duet, by Jennifer Eklund. Separated parts and a full stacked-score are both included.