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Music for Piano: Beginning & Elementary
Side by Side, Primer · 21 Duets for Student & Teacher · Alfred 00-1032
This book is designed to coordinate with Time to Begin, the first book of The Music Tree series, but can be used with any interval-based reading method. Co-authored with Amy Glennon.
The student part of each duet is also effective when played as a solo. The score uses off-staff, partial-staff and grand staff notation. Great choices for a student's first recital.
Carnival · Mid-Elementary Solo Collection · Carl Fischer PL1016
This collection of 11 character pieces is based on the sounds and experiences of day at the carnival. The music uses easily recognized patterns with limited hands-together writing, so the pieces can be learned quickly. For mid- and late elementary students.
Mysterious Shadows · Solo Sheet · Alfred 00-30581
The mysterious sounds and feel of this piece in 4/4 meter are achieved through the use of a variety of minor five-finger patterns, including A minor, G minor and D minor, a non-legato pedal and chromatics. The use of non-legato pedal allows the hands to change octaves easily. Changes in tempo add to the overall mood and offer the opportunity for musical playing.
Autumn Moon · Solo Sheet · Alfred 00-37593
Beginning teens and adults will be attracted to this piece with its gentle, flowing sound. A wide range of the keyboard is used through hand crossings and octave indications. The use of the damper pedal helps make these crossings smooth and seamless. The key of C major and the 4/4 meter aid in quick learning. Slight changes in tempo add to the romantic sound and style of the solo.
Changing Trains · Solo Sheet · Alfred 00-22410
The frenzy of a busy train station is depicted through this piece written entirely with intervals of fifths and thirds. In the A section, students are sure to enjoy the catchy rhythmic ostinato that uses blocked intervals. The B section features broken fifths with hand crossings that cover a wide range of the keyboard. The damper pedal helps to create a long, lyrical line. The return of the A section brings this energetic solo to an exciting close.
This piece was selected for the Federation Festivals list 2008-2010.
Noche del Gitano · Solo Sheet · Alfred 00-37103
“Noche del Gitano" means “Night of the Gypsy” in Spanish. Students will have no trouble conveying the descriptive title through the music of this solo. Written in 3/4 meter and the key of A minor, an energetic tempo lends itself to the mysterious mood of the piece. Blocked fifths in the left hand on the down beat of each measure followed by melodic and rhythmic sequences in the right hand create a sense of urgency.
This piece was selected for the Federation Festivals list 2014-2016.
Twilight Sky · Solo Sheet · Alfred 00-23238
Students can paint the colors of the twilight sky through the music of this G-major solo. Melodic and rhythmic repetition will aid in learning and memorizing this piece. The addition of damper pedal creates lush harmonies and frees the hands to move around the keyboard. The sophisticated sound and style might be particularly appealing to teenagers and adults.