Impressions Suite of Lyrical Solos: Soundtrack

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.

Recordings for the In Harmony All Ways songbook by Debbie Center.

Valse Parisienne is a lyrical piano solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. Inspired by Chopin’s Waltz in B minor, this waltz is ideal for intermediates of all ages and a great way to introduce the concept of rubato.

Recordings for the student solos in the Piano Pronto: Encore method book by Jennifer Eklund.

Mambo a la Mozart is a showstopper duet for two late-intermediates based on Mozart’s iconic theme from Symphony No. 40 in G minor. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Be Thou My Vision in a soothing and restful arrangement by Lisa Shoemaker. This reimagined setting of the traditional Irish melody is suitable for students, church performers, and music-lovers alike!

The Theory Time Medallion Series Platinum workbook covers the Advanced levels of music theory. By working through the Platinum workbook, a student will cover the concepts taught in Grades Nine & Ten in the original workbook series. This workbook is appropriate for students who have a solid understanding of the Theory Fundamental through Intermediate levels (Primer through Grade 8 in the original Workbook Series.) The Platinum workbook will prepare a student for the College Prep Level in the original Workbook Series. Upon completion, a student will be ready to work in the Diamond Level or in the Grade Eleven workbook of the original Workbook Series.

Deck the Halls sheet music medley with Deck the Halls and Swedish holiday favorite “Nu tändas tusen juleljus.” Music arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Christmas Classics Volume 2 holiday songbook.

Mambo a la Mozart is a Latin-style remix of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 arranged as a solo for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

All Things Bright and Beautiful is a collection of ten sacred classics arranged by Lisa Shoemaker. These showcase solos, written in a contemporary style, are ideal for students and church musicians alike!

Recordings for the Whimsy & Wonder songbook by Stacy Fahrion.

Praise to the Lord is a collection of virtuosic sacred solos arranged by Christina Mathis. Whether for church offertories, recitals, or casual enjoyment, these showcase-style arrangements will delight your fingers and audiences!

Imagination is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

Feel the energy and pulse of San Francisco with this set of six character pieces by Barbara Becker. Harmonically innovative showcase solos for intermediates of all ages!

Recordings for the New Horizons songbook by Jennifer Eklund.

Recordings for the Christmas Classics Volume 2 holiday songbook by Jennifer Eklund.