Catherine Rollin's Favorite Solos, Book 2: Piano Book

Rollin understands exactly what works in the studio because she teaches and performs constantly. This collection pulls together pieces that have proven themselves in real teaching situations, which means every solo engages students while building genuine musicianship. The stylistic variety ensures you can match pieces to individual student interests and strengths without sacrificing musical quality.

These solos move between intimate moments of reflection (Morning Reverie, Tendresse, Wish Upon a Star) and rhythmic vitality (Butterscotch Rag, Tango Tangle, El Conquistador), giving students a chance to experience the full range of what piano can express. The writing is idiomatic and direct; you're not translating orchestral textures or vocal lines but playing music shaped for the instrument itself.

Early intermediate to intermediate piano students who thrive with variety and enjoy exploring different musical styles within a single book. Teachers looking for supplementary material that complements standard methods while keeping students motivated through recognizable, engaging pieces.

• Pay attention to the jazz idioms in pieces like Butterscotch Rag and Jazz Waltz; the syncopation and swing feel require careful listening to how the rhythms sit against the steady beat, not just reading the notes on the page.
• Use the character indicated by each title as your entry point to interpretation; Morning Reverie and Tendresse invite lyrical, expressive playing, while El Conquistador and Tango Tangle demand rhythmic precision and energy.
• Balance technical work with musical storytelling; these pieces offer opportunities to focus on pedal control, dynamic shaping, and phrase direction without overwhelming early intermediate players.
• Record yourself frequently to develop ear training alongside technique; hearing your own performance helps you recognize whether the stylistic elements are coming through clearly.

Select individual pieces to program a studio recital that showcases your students' stylistic range without requiring them to learn entirely new technique. Use the collection as a reward system where students choose their next solo based on what speaks to them, which maintains motivation across multiple semesters. The varied lengths and styles also make these pieces ideal for community performances, informal studio gatherings, or festivals where you want strong, well-written music that doesn't demand extensive preparation.

• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated and swing-based patterns
• Stylistic interpretation across jazz, classical, Latin, and contemporary idioms
• Pedal control and tonal coloring
• Phrase direction and dynamic shaping
• Sight-reading in diverse musical contexts
• Performance confidence through accessible, engaging repertoire