The completion of a Lesson Book and graduating to the next level is a very important step in the growth of a piano student. At times, it is beneficial to take a short break to play some new pieces that use the skills recently perfected. The Graduation Books contain captivating solos that students can perform without having to learn something new. Because the students will know everything needed to play any piece in their level, they may play them in any order they wish.
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Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano repertoire for nearly four decades through his work with Alfred Music Publishing, producing over 400 compositions and recordings that define what intermediate piano students encounter in their formative years. His career spans teaching at the University of Montana (where he directed the piano department for 24 years), performing recitals from Carnegie Hall to Southeast Asia, and serving as a sought-after clinician at regional and national music teachers conventions. Alexander's dual expertise in composition and pedagogy allows him to write pieces that challenge students without overwhelming them.
A Kansas native and University of Kansas graduate, Alexander maintains an active composing and performance schedule from Albuquerque, New Mexico. His work has been commissioned by state music associations and national organizations, and his influence extends internationally through masterclasses, competitions, and collaborative partnerships with soloists and chamber ensembles across multiple continents.
Why we love this
This collection lets students experience the satisfaction of playing varied, engaging material without introducing new technical demands. After completing a lesson book, students need repertoire that reinforces what they've already mastered while building confidence and independence, and Alexander's solos deliver exactly that. The flexibility to perform pieces in any order gives students agency in their learning and lets you program selectively based on your studio's needs.
What to expect
These solos maintain the approachable melodic sensibility of beginner repertoire while offering enough variety in style and texture to keep listening interesting. Students will find pieces that feel musical and satisfying to play, each one designed for the moment when a student has just crossed from learning mode into performing mode.
Who it's for
This book serves early intermediate piano students who have finished a 1A lesson book and need accessible performance material that consolidates their skills. Teachers will find it valuable for students ready to build confidence and repertoire without introducing new concepts or technical obstacles.
How to get the most out of it
Let students choose the order in which they tackle these pieces; ownership accelerates learning and practice motivation.
Record students performing one solo each to create a personalized portfolio they can reference over time.
Use these pieces as recital material between lesson book completions, spacing out performance opportunities across the semester.
Pair pieces thematically to create short concert sets, even if students are working at slightly different paces.
How to use it
Slot this into your studio rotation as the transition book between lesson levels, allowing students a few weeks of consolidation without formal new material. The 16 pages provide ample options for different recital programming strategies, from solo performances to small ensemble groupings if multiple students are working through the same collection.
Skills your students will build
Sight reading at 1A level without concurrent technical challenges
Performance confidence through accessible but substantial solo material
Musical interpretation and phrasing within established technical boundaries
Repertoire diversity across multiple genres and styles
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