I Like Duets, Book 1: Piano Book

Roubos has crafted duets that genuinely invite both players into the musical conversation rather than relegating one part to accompaniment duty. The variety of forms here, from march to waltz to toccata, gives you multiple entry points for different moods and occasions, and The Monster Factory alone justifies keeping this book within arm's reach.

Bright, purposeful, and playful. These duets have personality without being precious; they bounce with energy in the march and toccata, sway gracefully in the waltz, and invite genuine musical conversation between the two pianists.

Elementary and late elementary pianists ready to engage with a real partner, not just follow along. Teachers seeking duet material that holds up for sight-reading while remaining musically rewarding for repeated performances.

• Balance the melodic lines dynamically so that whichever part carries the tune at any given moment sits naturally forward; this keeps the interplay between players active and audible.
• Use the contrasting character of each duet to explore different pedal techniques, especially in the waltz and toccata where sustain and clarity demand different approaches.
• Work through The Monster Factory at a tempo that lets both players enjoy the rhythmic wit without rushing the humor.
• Practice each duet with hands separate on both parts first, so you understand the harmonic and melodic architecture before combining them.

Pair these duets with a student recital or informal studio concert where duet playing takes center stage. The mix of styles makes them excellent for a themed program exploring different dance forms and character pieces, or scatter individual duets throughout the year as supplementary repertoire that builds partnership skills.

• Listening to and responding to another player's phrasing and tempo
• Maintaining independence while tracking a simultaneous line
• Dynamic control and balance between two equal voices
• Sight-reading confidence through repeated exposure to accessible but varied musical ideas
• Understanding of form and structure across classical genres (march, waltz, toccata)