This is the final of three posts highlighting some of my favorite sheet music piano solos for students.
These favorites lists are the result of a year-long focus in my studio, exploring the wide range of sheet music solos in publication. Check out this post if you want to read about the nine things I learned from that project.
Since I have quite a few to mention, I decided to divide the list into multiple posts by-level. Today I’ll be sharing favorite pieces at the Early Intermediate, Intermediate, and Late Intermediate levels, including the reason I love them and a link where you can purchase them.
Please note I am an affiliate in the Sheet Music Plus Easy Rebates program which simply means if you purchase any of these pieces using the links I provide, I will get a small percentage back without it costing you any extra.
Early Intermediate
A Melancholy Night by Naoko Ikeda
Why I love it: It uses a waltz accompaniment pattern, warmed with 7th chords, and features a portion with the melody in the left hand.
Why I love it: I would argue that this piece is more Intermediate level as the LH waltz accompaniment in the key of A major changes chord inversions frequently posing quite a challenge for an early intermediate student.
Why I love it: Various textures and an absolutely beautiful melody. Like many of the pieces by Naoko, I would counter that this piece is slightly more challenging than early intermediate.
Why I love it: Students will be challenged with the right-hand ostinato accompaniment using harmonic thirds while the left-hand takes the melody. Multi-textured.
Why I love it: Many-a piano students want to play Fur Elise long before they’re ready for the original version. This arrangement has been my favorite go-to.
Why I love it: Fabulous piece – super exciting. Uses 1st inversion chords moving by steps at a presto tempo, syncopation, a left-hand octave ostinato, and shifting meters including cut time, 1/2 and 5/4
The only one on this list I have is “Sea Winds.” (Which my students have loved!) I am excited for these additional recommendations. You can never have too many special solos! Thank you!
The only one on this list I have is “Sea Winds.” (Which my students have loved!) I am excited for these additional recommendations. You can never have too many special solos! Thank you!
Wow, great! I think you’ll enjoy a lot of these. Happy music-making!