Celebrated Piano Solos, Book 2: Piano Book

Vandall's collection hits a sweet spot that many compilations miss: each piece stands on its own musically while introducing or reinforcing a specific pianistic concept. The stylistic variety within a single book means students encounter ragtime, narrative character pieces, and dances all in one place, keeping practice sessions engaging across multiple lessons.

These pieces invite students into a musical world that extends beyond exercises. You'll find yourself tapping your foot through a rollicking rag, sitting quietly with a ginger cookie narrative, and confidently striding down a high street. Each piece has personality and purpose.

Late elementary and early intermediate pianists benefit from this collection whether they study in private lessons or group settings. Teachers appreciate having a single resource with ten distinct pieces that scaffold technique while maintaining student interest across a full year or more of study.

• Pay close attention to the specific tempo marking and character indication for each piece. Vandall's titles often hint at the mood; "Crooked Run Rag" and "Grandma's Ginger Cookies" demand different expressive approaches.
• Work the rhythm independently before adding melody and harmony together. Several pieces layer rhythmic ideas that reveal themselves only when each hand's part is secure.
• Shape phrases around the natural harmonic motion rather than relying on pedal to cover unclear voice leading. These solos develop clarity and independence between the hands.

Select individual pieces for student recitals throughout the year rather than programming multiple solos from the same book on a single concert. The stylistic range makes this collection valuable for pairing solos with ensemble work or for demonstrating different periods and genres in a pianist's developing repertoire.

• Rhythmic accuracy in syncopated figures (rag patterns, jazz-influenced rhythms)
• Hand independence and clear voice leading in two-part writing
• Expressive shaping of character pieces with contrasting moods and tempos
• Sight-reading across multiple keys and meter signatures
• Pedal control and timing appropriate to each piece's harmonic content