Five-Star Solos 4-6 (Value Pack) Cover Image

Five-Star Solos 4-6 (Value Pack): Piano Book

$17.00 USD
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Five-Star Solos 4-6 (Value Pack) Cover Image

Five-Star Solos 4-6 (Value Pack): Piano Book

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Early Intermediate / Late Intermediate

Item: 00-106703

$17.00
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Description
The books in Five-Star Solos give students and teachers a wide variety of pieces at graded levels. Different styles, colors, tempos, and modds are included in each book. Ballads, waltzes, Latin tunes, contemporary sounds, and "showstoppers" all combine to make teaching both fun and exciting. Students will be rewarded with music that clearly sets them apart from the crowd.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
UPC: 038081287591
SKU: 00-106703

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander's catalog of over 400 compositions has shaped piano pedagogy for generations. Since partnering with Alfred Music Publishing in 1986, he has become recognized internationally for his ability to write engaging educational music that meets students where they are while challenging them to grow. His work spans applied piano instruction, class piano, and piano pedagogy, fields where he taught for nearly a quarter century at the University of Montana before relocating to California.

Beyond the page, Alexander remains an active performer and clinician, having made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987 and continuing to present workshops at state and national conventions. His commissions and international touring, including performances and master classes across Asia and throughout the United States, underscore his standing within the music education community. He currently composes and teaches from Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Why we love this

These three books represent exactly what intermediate pianists need: stylistic variety without filler. Ballads sit next to Latin rhythms, waltzes adjacent to contemporary pieces, so every student finds material that resonates with them. Alexander understands that memorable teaching happens when students actually want to practice what's assigned.

What to expect

Energetic and diverse. One moment you're floating through a contemplative ballad, the next you're moving through a rhythmically vibrant Latin piece. These books reward exploration and give performers permission to sound polished and intentional.

Who it's for

Early to late intermediate pianists who need reliable recital and contest material. Teachers looking for a flexible collection that accommodates different student interests without sacrificing musicality or pedagogical value.

How to get the most out of it

  • Work through the contrasting styles first. Assign one piece from a genre the student gravitates toward, then strategically place an unfamiliar style alongside it to expand their musical vocabulary.
  • Use recital performances as a showcase moment. These pieces are concert-ready and designed to leave an impression, so choose programs that let each student lead with their strongest interpretation.
  • Lock into the character of each piece before drilling mechanics. A waltz needs different weight and phrasing than a Latin tune, so establishing the mood first makes technique serving that mood feel natural rather than imposed.

How to use it

Build a recital around pieces from different books in this set to showcase range without requiring separate purchases. The breadth of styles makes it simple to program concisely while still offering contrast. These are also ideal contest selections when rules call for pieces of varying tempos and characters.

Skills your students will build

  • stylistic interpretation across ballad, waltz, Latin, and contemporary idioms
  • rhythmic precision in syncopated and unusual meters
  • pedal control in pieces designed to exploit resonance
  • voice leading and balance in multi-textural arrangements
  • sight-reading fluency through exposure to varied notation and harmonic language

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