Especially for Boys: Piano Book

Name: Especially for Boys: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-18868
Price: 6.99 USD
Availability: InStock

7 Entertaining and Motivating Late Elementary Piano Solos

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Late Elementary

Item: 00-18868

$6.99

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For years, piano teachers remarked that Dennis Alexander's pieces were great for boys and suggested that he write a book of pieces with boys in mind. Drawing on his own teaching experiences, and recalling the kinds of pieces he would have liked to play at a similar age, he composed these engaging late elementary piano solos that incorporate strong rhythms, athletic leaps of the hands and big sounds. A gratifying collection for students who need a little extra motivation to practice!

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Series: Especially

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 16

ISBN10: 0-7390-0397-6

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-0397-8

UPC: 038081171463

SKU: 00-18868

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano literature for nearly four decades through his prolific work with Alfred Music Publishing. Since 1986, he has authored more than 400 compositions and recordings that have established him as one of the most widely performed composers of pedagogical piano music worldwide. His teaching background spans multiple institutions: 24 years as a piano pedagogy instructor at the University of Montana (where he also chaired the piano department), followed by faculty positions at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. Beyond the classroom, Alexander maintains an active performance schedule as a soloist and collaborative artist, having made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987 and toured internationally across Asia and beyond.

A native of Kansas and graduate of the University of Kansas, Alexander brings both compositional sophistication and practical classroom insight to his writing. He has served as a clinician at state and national music teachers conventions and judged international competitions, including MusiQuest in India. His works have been commissioned by numerous organizations, and his deep understanding of what motivates young pianists informs every piece he creates. He currently resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he continues composing and conducting workshops for Alfred Music Publishing.

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Why we love this

Alexander wrote this collection because his students and colleagues kept telling him his pieces resonated with boys who otherwise struggled to find repertoire that excited them. Rather than make a token gesture, he drew on decades of teaching to create pieces built on what actually engages that demographic: rhythmic drive, hand position challenges that feel athletic, and the satisfaction of producing big, confident sounds. The result is a collection that motivates practice without compromising musical quality.

What to expect

These pieces pulse with momentum and vitality. You'll hear strong, driving rhythms that keep the ear engaged, hand positions that require a bit of stretch and movement, and moments where students get to produce full, resonant chords. The overall feeling is energetic and satisfying rather than introspective.

Who it's for

This book reaches late elementary pianists (typically ages 8-11) who respond to pieces with rhythmic energy and a sense of accomplishment. It's especially valuable for students who need motivation or who prefer music with movement and power over lyrical, delicate writing.

How to get the most out of it

Encourage students to think of the hand leaps as physical movements rather than technical hurdles. Using the full arc of the movement (not just the fingers) produces the bold sound these pieces demand.
Lock in the rhythmic pulse early. Many of these pieces thrive on forward momentum, so establish the tempo in practice and maintain it without dragging through the bigger jumps.
Don't soften the dynamic markings. These pieces are designed to sound confident and full; honor the forte and fortissimo markings as invitations to fill the room with sound.

How to use it

Include selections from this book in recitals where you want to program a variety of moods and energy levels; these pieces provide excellent contrast to quieter works. They also work well as motivational repertoire in the studio during periods when students need a confidence boost or when you're matching their specific musical interests.