Imaginations, Book 2: Piano Book

Olson crafts pieces that students actually request to play again, which is rare at this level. The nine solos here offer genuine variety in character and approach, so you're not programming nine versions of the same idea. Each one lands differently, making this collection work equally well for a recital sampler or as a source for individual student motivation.

This collection has the polish of classical form without the dusty feeling. Olson's writing stays melodic and clear, with moments of real beauty alongside passages designed to keep your fingers honest. You'll find yourself wanting to perform these for an audience, not just mark them off a practice list.

Early intermediate and intermediate pianists ready for pieces that are rewarding to perform but don't demand conservatory-level technical mastery. Teachers looking for fresh material that bypasses the standard syllabus grind will find nine solid options here.

• Encourage students to identify the distinct personality of each piece before diving into technique. Starting with character helps the hands follow naturally.
• Record yourself playing through the collection once to hear how the pieces complement each other. This shapes how you'll shape practice tempos and dynamics across the nine solos.
• Let the scoring and texture guide your pedal choices. Olson's writing is often transparent enough that you don't need to lean on the pedal the way you might with more densely voiced arrangements.

Book 2 works beautifully as a solo recital collection, or you can pull individual pieces throughout the year to pair with other repertoire on formal concerts. The variety also makes it excellent for studio classes where students perform for each other, since the nine solos give you options at nearly every intermediate subset.

• Phrase shaping and breathing in Classical forms
• Pedal control and transparency
• Hand coordination across a range of textures
• Performance confidence with varied character pieces
• Reading and interpreting composer intent from score markings