Double Takes

Minuet in Gee! is a light-hearted ragtime spin on Beethoven’s classic Minuet in G. This solo, composed by Ron Levy, is ideal for intermediates of all ages. Cover photo is an original painting entitled “Dancers” by Carol Julien.

July is a ragtime solo for intermediate pianists composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien.It is ideal study material for those who would enjoy historical rags but need a more manageable arrangement and hand span than those typically offer. There is syncopation throughout all of the three principle melodies with a steady quarter note accompaniment in the left hand for the majority of the piece.

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

Rockin’ the Classics is a collection of ten pop, rock, and jazz inspired arrangements of well-known classical favorites by Chrissy Ricker. These fun and flashy intermediate level solos will excite students of all ages!

When You Smile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a lyrical light-pop or jazz style. It is dedicated to jazz singer Dubby Spivak, widow of the American bandleader Charlie Spivak, who is a friend of the composer.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for early intermediates of all ages.

The Sliding Thumbs Rag, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is an upbeat ragtime-style solo for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Musical Mosaics songbook.

Once Upon a Whimsically Macabre Time is a collection of intermediate piano solos centered around a theme of macabre stories and characters. In this collection, Stacy Fahrion displays a penchant for minor keys and dance-like rhythms.

Rock On! Volume 3 features ten showcase-style pop, rock, and blues solos composed by Chrissy Ricker. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Easy Come, Easy Go is an easy ragtime-style jazz solo for late beginners that will reinforce syncopation and swing style eighths. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 songbook.

On the Trail is a slow bluesy solo for early intermediates that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Windy Blues is a jazz-style solo ideal for early intermediates of all ages. Music composed by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick.

Grandpa’s Gramophone, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate ragtime solo that evokes the sound of dance bands of the early 1920s.

In the Groove is a fun-filled collection of thirteen showcase solos composed by Lisa Frederick. Ideally suited for early intermediates and beyond, these engaging pieces cover a wide variety of genres including jazz, blues, lyrical, boogie-woogie, and more!

Cool Cat Boogie, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is boogie-woogie style jazzy solo for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Cool Cats songbook.

Walkin’ Tall is an intermediate level jazz style piano solo with a walking bassline that is part of the Dog Days Songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

The Entertainer, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for early intermediates Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

Too Much Sugar Blues is a lethargic jazzy tune about eating too much candy composed by Stacy Fahrion. This blues showcase solo is ideal for intermediates.