David Carr Glover's Favorite Solos, Book 1: Piano Book

These pieces earn their spot in thousands of studios because they solve a real programming challenge: students need material that's genuinely fun to play while building fundamental technique and music reading. Glover's titles alone spark joy (Big Chief Thundercloud, Funny Bunny, Smoke Signals), and each piece delivers a complete musical idea in just a few pages. Teachers return to this collection year after year because the balance between accessibility and artistry keeps students engaged without requiring teacher-intensive preparation.

These pieces evoke a world of gentle adventure and playful discovery. Glover's melodic gift shines in every solo; even simple pieces like Funny Bunny and Sugar Cookies have a lightness and charm that makes students eager to perform them. The variety across the collection means every student finds something that speaks to their musical taste.

Early elementary and elementary piano students building repertoire beyond their method book, particularly those ready for pieces with character and variety. Teachers seeking supplementary solos that don't require years of study to learn but reward careful interpretation.

• Listen to the character each title suggests. Baby Circus Elephant moves differently than Big Chief Thundercloud; let the imagery inform your tempo and tone color.
• Shape short phrases with gentle dynamic arcs rather than playing at a single volume. Early elementary pianists benefit from noticing how even five-note phrases can breathe.
• Pay attention to Glover's sparse use of dynamics and accents; when he marks something, it matters and should stand out.
• Practice hands separately when rhythms feel unsteady, but once secure, connect the hands by thinking in musical phrases rather than note-by-note patterns.

Sprinkle solos from this book across your year of teaching rather than assigning all 11 at once. A student working through their method book might play Captain Candy or The Monkey and the Kangaroo at a studio recital in winter, and Yo Ho! The Sailor's Song at a spring performance. The collection's variety also makes it an excellent resource for student recitals where you want each participant to play something distinctly different in character.

• Reading and executing rhythmic patterns in both simple and compound styles
• Playing melodies with consistent hand position and arm weight
• Recognizing and performing basic dynamic contrast (forte and piano)
• Understanding phrasing through character and imagery rather than harmonic analysis
• Developing independence between hands while maintaining musical cohesion