Mona Rejino has built a career writing accessible yet musically substantial repertoire for young pianists. Her work balances technical clarity with genuine artistic merit, giving students pieces that challenge them without overwhelming them. Rejino understands the intermediate student's needs: she writes with clear pedagogical intent while refusing to sacrifice musical integrity.
Why we love this
Rejino writes sonatinas that actually sound like music instead of exercises. This one sits in a sweet spot for students ready to tackle multi-movement form without the harmonic complexity of more advanced works. It's the kind of piece that makes practicing rewarding because the Classical structures feel both familiar and fresh.
What to expect
Bright and orderly, with the kind of elegant clarity that defines the Classical aesthetic. The piece unfolds logically, each idea building naturally on what came before, making the student feel like they're discovering the form rather than wrestling with it.
Who it's for
This sonatina works well for late intermediate students who've mastered basic Classical forms and are ready for something with real structural sophistication. It's ideal for students preparing for recitals or competitions where they need a piece that demonstrates both technical control and musical understanding.
How to get the most out of it
Establish the harmonic pulse in the opening theme by thinking through the underlying chord progression before you worry about tempo.
Mark the phrase boundaries clearly in your score; they'll guide your phrasing and help you avoid rushing through transitions.
Practice hands separately through any passage where the right hand moves into unfamiliar register, then layer them back together slowly.
Listen for where the melody moves from one hand to the other, especially in development sections, so those hand-offs sound seamless rather than accidental.
How to use it
Schedule this as a recital staple for students around the early-to-intermediate ABRSM or RCM level. It pairs naturally with other Classical sonatinas in a student showcase or works beautifully as a solo offering when you want something more substantial than a single movement study but shorter than a full sonata.
Skills your students will build
Reading and executing multi-movement form (exposition, development, recapitulation)
Voice independence between hands in moderate texture
Maintaining tempo stability through harmonic changes and dynamic shifts
Shaping Alberti bass accompaniment patterns with musical purpose rather than mechanical repetition
Recognizing and executing Classical phrase structures and cadential movements
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