A Perfect 10, Book 4: Piano Book

This collection balances structured musical growth with genuine enjoyment. Bober pairs foundational works by Bach, Benda, Ellmenreich, and Bartók alongside her own original pieces in contemporary idioms, so students encounter historical context without getting stuck in any single aesthetic. The mix of jazz, blues, ragtime, Latin, ballad, and showstopper styles keeps intermediate pianists engaged across multiple sessions.

Ten snapshots of different musical worlds: the precision and clarity of Baroque counterpoint, the elegance of Classical form, the emotional depth of Romantic expression, and the playfulness of contemporary composition. Jazz grooves and blues inflections sit comfortably alongside minuets and sonatinas, creating a collection where stylistic variety feels intentional rather than scattered. Each piece has its own character, but together they encourage pianists to develop flexibility and expressive range.

Intermediate pianists ready to expand beyond single-style repertoire and explore how technical demands shift across Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary contexts. Students preparing for festival performances will find two Federation Festivals selections here (2016-2020). This collection works equally well for students building recital programs or exploring different musical voices within a single practice session.

• In pieces with jazz or blues harmony, commit fully to the chord changes rather than rushing through them; let the harmonic color sit before moving forward.
• Record yourself playing the traditional pieces (Bach, Benda, Ellmenreich, Bartók) and listen back for consistency in articulation and phrasing; these works reward precise, repeated practice.
• When approaching the Latin and ragtime selections, lock in the rhythmic foundation first, then layer expressive elements; rhythm is the skeleton these styles depend on.
• Mark dynamics and mood shifts in pencil before the first full run-through; pieces labeled 'Stargazer' and 'Shades of Blue' contain subtle expressive turns that are easy to miss on first reading.

Assign individual pieces throughout the year rather than as a single recital block; students can absorb the stylistic breadth more effectively when separated by a few weeks of practice. The traditional works (Bach's Minuet, Benda's Sonatina, Ellmenreich's Spinning Song, and Bartók's Teasing Song) integrate smoothly into existing repertoire sequences and help students understand how Bober's original compositions build on historical models. For a competitive festival year, 'Latin Holiday' and 'Stargazer' provide proven selections with broad appeal to adjudicators.

• Stylistic interpretation across Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and contemporary idioms
• Jazz and blues harmony, including chord extensions and voice-leading
• Rhythmic precision in ragtime, Latin, and syncopated styles
• Expressive control through dynamic contrast and articulation variety
• Melodic phrasing across different formal structures
• Tempo and mood differentiation (ballad vs. showstopper vs. etude)