Best of In Recital Solos, Book 3: Piano Book

The breadth of styles here gives you real programming flexibility without sacrificing musical substance. Students get their recital piece and also absorb swing, blues idiom, and ragtime texture naturally through repertoire that actually engages them.

A musical road trip. One moment you're in a lyrical waltz, the next you're syncopating a blues figure or dancing through a ragtime arrangement. The collection never settles into one mood, which keeps students discovering something new with each piece.

Late elementary pianists ready to experience multiple styles in one book and recital performers who need reliable, engaging solos. Teachers who want variety without abandoning pedagogical development will find this collection essential.

• Balance syncopation by counting through the underlying pulse first, then layering the syncopated rhythm on top. This prevents rushing and keeps the groove grounded.
• Pedal choices matter in these pieces. Mark where the harmonic change happens and release just before it, especially in the lyrical waltzes where clarity matters.
• Listen to a quality rag recording before rehearsing Peacherine Rag. Let students hear how the rhythm sits slightly behind the beat for that authentic bounce.

Slot individual solos into recitals throughout the year, or program three or four selections from this book as a themed set that showcases American vernacular music alongside composed lyrical work. The arrangements especially work well as intermission pieces or lighter moments between more formal selections.

• Syncopation and dotted rhythms in a stylistic context
• Swing interpretation and uneven eighth-note feels
• Pedal technique and harmonic clarity
• Blues vocabulary and chord progression recognition
• Ragtime articulation and rhythmic precision
• Cross-hand coordination in ensemble-style pieces