Teenage girls and adults will love this piece that possesses an expressive melody and flowing accompaniment.

This early-intermediate solo in D minor is written in 4/4 time with straight 8ths. The B section allows the student to swing the 8ths for a more jazzy feel.

A late-elementary arrangement of the popular German carol.

This 'who-done-it' jazzy solo in Cm uses swing rhythms throughout. It's a perfect way to introduce simple swing feel and doubles as a great Halloween solo.

This suite from the Alfred state series includes four original pieces that range from mid-late intermediate level and was featured as an official project of the state centennial. Pieces include: Oklahoma Land Run!, Red Earth, Flight O'er the Wichitas and Bedlam Bash.

hear Land Run  hear Red Earth

Hymn Meditations

& Hymns

This early-intermediate collection is the perfect introduction to jazz styles and includes a variety of rhythmic feels and articulations. The composer limiits the technical demands allowing the student to focus on rhythm integrity and style of each contrasting work. Titles include: Swingin', Jammin', Leavin' (ballad), Jazzin', Boppin', etc.

These intermediate level duets of American folk songs provide parts with equal difficulty and are careful to share the melody. Printed lyrics under the alternating melody allow the performers to follow it as it moves between parts and the stacked format allows the performers to easily see how the parts work together as an ensemble. Selections include: All Through the Night, Big Rock Candy Mountain, Blow the Man Down, Cindy, Long Time Ago and Shenandoah. This is a favorite with adults too!

This mid-elementary piece in C Major is designed to introduce the beginning student to a contrasting three movement (page) work. The sonatina does not use 8th notes but allows the student to explore a variety of styles, including a slow lyrical movement in F and a quicker moving last movement in 6/4. To establish the feeling of compound meter, the composer has composed lyrics for this mini-rondo starting with: "Roll over Beethoven..."

The collection of early-intermediate original pieces is a staple for my beginning adults and/or transfer students. It provides me with a variety of pieces that are not threatening on the page but definitely captivate the ear. Students are introduced to a contrast of colors and learn to explore the use of the pedal. Pieces are easy to memorize and several have served as 'pupil savers'!

This early advanced duet is the perfect entertainment for musicians-especially piano teachers. The 6 minute piece includes the theme and variations in the style of Bach, Kitty on the Keys, Octave Displacement, Flamboyant Dinner-Pianist, Visit to Broadway, Cool Swing, Beethoven, Schubert (in canon), Take the B-Train, and Rock and Roll.

These early-intermediate solos are based on my cat, Wanda and her many antics. Each peice includes a brief description of her behavior and personality. Titles include: A Tale of Two Tails, For Love of Fur, Ice Hockey, Purr-fect Slumber, Whisker Kisses, A Moment of Paws and A Look at the World Upside Down.

Rabbits in the Snow

Tarantella

This wild dance in 6/8 is a showy solo with plenty of contrasting sections for a recital or entry in a festival or competition. The mid-intermmediate piece is in G Minor and uses the full range of the keyboard as well as wide range of dynamics.

Carol of the Bell (duet)

Contrary to the level indication on the cover, this piece is not as easy as it looks! It incorporates intricate cross-rhythms and echo effects (duet) as well as colorful harmonies and use of hemiola. I label it as late-intermmediate as it requires a fast tempo (felt in one).

Dona Nobis Pacem (duet)

In this mid-late intermediate duet, one can hear the theme in canon as it is often sung. The arrangement uses the theme in contrasting voices of both the secondo and primo, culminating in a thicker texture but calming feel toward the end. Perfect for an offertory or communion service.

Heavenly Tunes for Two (duet)

This mid-late intermediate duet collection is a favorite at the churches where I play and includes many congregation favorites, including: Be Thou My Vision, Let Us Break Bread, Soon and Very Soon and He Leadeth Me to name a few. Swing Low Sweet Chariot is done in jazz style and is probably the most challenging (key changes) but the most engaging (and showy) in the set.

I Wonder as I Wander

This haunting arrangement in E minor uses colorful harmonies and is written for the mid-intermediate level. Be sure to follow the pedal indications and not be too strict with keeping a steady tempo.

In the Sweet
By and By

This late-intermediate arrangement sets this gospel standard in a new light and provides plenty of fresh interpretations. I perform it often for church as well as for memorial services and funerals. It is dedicated to my pre-college piano teacher and holds a special place in my heart.

Jingle Bell Bounce

If you like to swing, this Jingle is for you. It requires a lot of rhythm integrity, so be careful to lay on the back side of the beat and not rush the 2nd 8th note. The arrangement uses verse and chorus and will be a favorite to keep in your repertoire each Christmas season.

Sacred Tunes for Two

Unlike the Heavenly Tunes duet collection, the parts are not written for equal difficulty but for church pianist (advanced) and late elementary student. This allows my beginners to perform special music for church that has substantial length (in place of an anthem) or offertory. The collection uses the key of C with simple modulations to F or G. Selections include: Jesus Loves Me, Battle of Jericho, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, 'Tis So Sweet and Balm in Gilead, a congregation favorite!

St. Louis Blues (duet)

Teaching Little Fingers to Play Hymns

If your beginner is a cat-lover, this makes for a special 'first solo' on the spring recital. Again, the composer uses narration to describe the motivation behind the music and to tell the story of her cat, Wanda. For more music about Wanda, see the Carl Fischer collection: Wanda's World: A Day in the Life of a Cat.