Night Skies, by Rick Robertson, is a late-elementary level lyrical solo. A plaintive melody is contrasted with a middle section based on broken chords with pedal. This would make an effective number for a recital program, and could even be used as a brief selection for a worship service.
Groundhog Day is a showcase solo for late beginners that includes lyrics. This piece composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien is part of the Backyard Bash Volume 2 songbook.
Golden Sunlight, composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas, is an elegant lyrical evenly-leveled duet for late beginners. This piece is part of the Dynamic Duos Volume 2 songbook.
Cherry Blossoms, composed by Kevin Costley, is an ambient lyrical solo for late beginners. This piece serves as a great opportunity for students to work on shifting fifths in the left hand and melodic phrasing.
Waltz of the Daffodils, composed by Kevin Costley, is an elegant waltz for late beginners. This pattern-based piece would be an ideal recital or festival selection.
Road to the Last Frontier (Aries) is a vibrant showcase solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”
Mama’s Song by Rick Robertson is an early-intermediate-level lyrical solo. It is based on a theme penned by the composers’s mother. This piece makes for a lovely recital selection or as service music, especially for Mother’s Day.
Metamorphosis, composed by Sara Tomlinson, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Creation Collage songbook.
First Flower, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a great exercise to introduce students to shifting meters and rubato. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.
New Beginnings is an upbeat and uplifting contemporary pop-style solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This selection will delight intermediates of all ages and makes a great recital or festival piece.
Rock ’n’ Cha is an upbeat Latin-style solo with fun and easy harmonic intervals for primers and beginners of all ages. While this solo stands alone it also includes a Latin-style romping teacher duet part which makes for a great showcase piece for recitals.
Get in the game! Touchdown is an upbeat, sports-themed showcase solo for primers and beginners of all ages. While this solo stands alone it also includes a contemporary pop-style teacher duet part that adds even more pizazz!
Campsite Critters is a lyrical primer level solo, from Roadtrip: Rockstar Rally, and includes a teacher duet part. This piece serves as a great introduction to playing eighth notes. Music and lyrics by Jennifer Eklund and Kris Skaletski.
Chicken Coop Cha-Cha is a sassy, Latin-style primer level solo from Roadtrip: Rockstar Rally Volume 2, and includes a teacher duet part. This piece serves as a great introduction to recognizing and playing harmonic 4ths and 2nds. Music and lyrics by Jennifer Eklund and Kris Skaletski.
Rock ’n’ Cha is an upbeat left-handed solo for beginners that includes a Latin-style teacher duet. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Stage Left! Volume 2 songbook.
Touchdown is a high-energy left-handed solo for beginners that includes a teacher duet. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Stage Left! Volume 2 songbook.
The Puppeteers is a fast and flashy evenly-leveled duet for late beginners composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas.
Popcorn & Peanuts is an upbeat evenly-leveled duet composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This selection is ideal for two late beginners.
Jaunty Jalopy is an evenly-leveled duet for early intermediates composed by the Dolce Dolls team of Marcia Benson and Heidi Hansen. The piece was inspired by the story of Samantha, an American Girl Doll. The music begins with horn honks as the jalopy takes off for a sunny drive through the countryside. The music depicts a deflating tire which is promptly inflated so the jalopy can continue on its way.
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.
Yee-Haw!, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early-intermediate-level showcase solo. It is inspired by “barn dance” or “square dance” music, and adds a touch of Americana to any recital program. It is a definite pupil saver and motivator and could also be used in “costume recitals” when a spooky costume is not desired.
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”!
Ragtime Rhapsody, is a ragtime spin on Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2.” This fast & flashy arrangement by Chrissy Ricker, ideal for intermediates, will dazzle audiences at your next recital.
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.