Jennifer Linn brings three decades of teaching experience to her compositional work, having guided students of all ages in private studios and university settings. Her roster of over 300 published pieces reflects her deep understanding of what pianists at every level need to grow musically and technically.
A graduate of the UMKC Conservatory of Music with degrees in piano performance, Linn spent a decade as Manager of Educational Piano at Hal Leonard, positioning her at the intersection of pedagogy and publishing. Her recognition includes the 2013 UMKC Alumni of the Year award and the 2020 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. She continues to develop curricula and present clinics across the United States, Canada, and India.
Why we love this
Linn writes with the ear of someone who has spent decades listening to students discover themselves at the keyboard. This piece succeeds because it balances approachability with genuine musical substance, offering young pianists something worthy of their attention without overwhelming their developing technique.
What to expect
Calm and nurturing, with the gentle forward motion of a familiar melody being sung to rest. The piece unfolds with quiet conviction, creating an intimate moment at the keyboard rather than demanding virtuosity.
Who it's for
Early intermediate pianists ready to engage with lyrical writing and expressive control will find this accessible and rewarding. Teachers seeking a short piece that develops musical maturity without excessive technical demands will appreciate how efficiently Linn builds both skills and confidence.
How to get the most out of it
Find the gentle, singing quality in the melodic line by thinking of the title literally; the lullaby character should guide your phrasing and dynamic choices rather than metronomic exactness
Let the accompaniment remain supportive rather than intrusive, keeping the texture transparent so the melody reads clearly to a listener
Explore the relationship between hands carefully in rehearsal, experimenting with slight rubato to enhance the lullaby's natural breathing
How to use it
A two-page piece of this character works beautifully in a student recital as a transition piece between more energetic works, or as an opener that settles an audience into careful listening. It also functions well as a pedagogical anchor in a lesson sequence focused on tone production and phrase shaping.
Skills your students will build
Legato touch and sustained singing tone
Pedal control for harmonic clarity and color
Phrasing and shaping in lyrical music
Balance between melody and accompaniment
Expressive interpretation without excessive tempo flexibility
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
