Randall Hartsell grew up in North Carolina without immediate access to a piano, practicing daily at his aunt and uncle's house until his parents purchased one after his first year of lessons. His early compositions drew inspiration from literature studied in English class and pieces written for his high school choir's radio broadcasts, establishing a pattern of music rooted in storytelling that would define his career.
After earning his degree from East Carolina University, Hartsell taught in a small town and resumed composing with renewed focus. A pivotal meeting with publisher Lynn Freeman Olson in the early 1980s led to his first major publication, the three-book series Something Special (1990), followed by more than 60 additional collections and solos. Today he works in Charlotte as a teacher, composer, accompanist, clinician, and church musician, continuing to create pieces that engage students across all ability levels.
Why we love this
Hartsell's gift for creating moments of genuine musical beauty at accessible levels shows throughout this piece. The two-page length makes it perfect for students seeking something substantial without overwhelming technical demands, and the pastoral imagery of the title invites performers to develop interpretive choices early in their musical journey.
What to expect
Serene and observational, capturing the stillness of a moment spent watching koi beneath the surface of a pond. The music invites performers to slow down and listen inwardly, creating an intimate dialogue between player and listener.
Who it's for
Intermediate piano students working to develop musicality and expressive playing beyond technique exercises. This piece serves students preparing for recitals, competitions, or simply looking to build a repertoire of rewarding music that sounds mature without requiring advanced-level facility.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melody with thoughtful phrasing that reflects the quiet contemplation of watching koi move through water; avoid mechanical evenness in the accompaniment.
Pay attention to any dynamic changes marked in the score to create atmosphere and maintain listener interest across the brief form.
Let the piece breathe between phrases rather than rushing through passages; the educational goal here includes developing musical maturity, not just technical accuracy.
How to use it
Include this on a student recital as a palette cleanser between more virtuosic or energetic pieces, or pair it with other Hartsell works to showcase his distinctive approach to composition. It also works well as a teaching piece for students beginning to explore how imagery shapes musical phrasing.
Skills your students will build
Translating visual imagery into musical expression
Legato hand positioning and touch control
Long-line phrasing across two-page spans
Balancing melody against accompaniment texture
Pedal control for sustaining harmonic color
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