August is a new age piano solo, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien NCTM, for intermediate and late intermediate pianists. The pedagogical focus of this selection is small hand accessibility. The waltz-time setting and straight eighths are ideal for helping players achieve a fluid technique and a sense of forward motion. The melodic content is “hidden” within the right hand eighths and gives ample opportunity for developing sophisticated voicing.
October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.
Long Road Home is a lyrical, intermediate level piano solo for pianists of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.
Long Road Home is an intermediate level lyrical duet ideal for students of all ages. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund.
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.
Summer Evening, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level solo in a light-jazz lyrical style. It is highly patterned, easily learned, and makes an excellent performance choice.
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).
Seaside, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate contemporary lyrical solo. With its gentle syncopation, it suggests a modern barcarolle.
Clair de lune arranged for late beginning level and early intermediate pianists of all ages and stays true to the harmonies used in the original work by Debussy. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.
Nightscape is an easy, minor-key, lyrical solo for late beginners of all ages. This showcase piece serves as a great introduction to legato and expressive phrasing techniques. Part of the Easy Spotlight Solos songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Under Lock & Key is an easy lyrical waltz for late beginners and early intermediates composed by Jennifer Eklund. This piece serves as a great introduction to various types of ending systems, lyrical phrasing, and pedal techniques.
The Calm, from the Fired Up! Level Two method book, is a pattern-based easy lyrical solo for late beginners. A great opportunity to work on pedaling, easy position shifts, and left-hand crossovers. Includes a teacher accompaniment part.
The Return is an easy pop-style showcase solo for late-beginners composed by Jennifer Eklund. This version is the one found in the ever-popular Spotlight Solos Volume 1 collection.
Sweet Hour of Prayer in an elegant, contemplative setting for late beginners. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Moonlight Sonata arranged thoughtfully for late-beginning level students of all ages. This shortened version of Beethoven’s iconic melody, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, includes music history pages and the easy piano solo version in E minor.
Solitary is a flowing, lyrical, one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Uno is a fun Latin-style one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Flamenco Sunset is a Spanish-themed lyrical one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
The Coral Reef is a peacefully elegant a one-handed showcase solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand.
Wistful Waltz is an elegant one-handed solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
Don’t Be Blue is a jazzy one-handed solo by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.
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.
Mirror Lake, by Rick Robertson, is a late-elementary level lyrical solo. A moderately slow lyrical melody is divided between the hands and bound together by pedal.
Prelude for Peace, composed by Rick Robertson, is an elementary level solo that uses pedal to give a hazy, serene effect. It briefly quotes the old round “Dona Nobis Pacem.”