Kowalchyk and Lancaster's Favorite Solos, Book 3: Piano Book

This collection draws directly from what piano teachers and students actually want to play, making it feel less like a textbook and more like a curated selection from experienced practitioners. The emphasis on lyrical playing prepares students well for Chopin without requiring them to tackle his works prematurely, and at early intermediate to intermediate level, the pieces strike a satisfying balance between accessibility and musical substance.

This book spans accessible Americana and folk-inspired melodies alongside original character pieces with a gentle lyrical quality. Each solo feels composed with the developing pianist in mind, offering enough musical substance to engage, enough accessibility to succeed, and enough beauty to inspire.

Students progressing from elementary to early intermediate repertoire who are ready for pieces with genuine musical interest and emotional content. Teachers looking for attractive, student-tested solos that bridge toward Romantic-era study without requiring advanced technique.

• Pay close attention to phrase shape in the lyrical pieces; let your hand weight follow the contour rather than treating each measure as a separate unit.
• Experiment with pedal carefully, especially in the more romantic selections, to enhance resonance without muddying harmonic clarity.
• Use the titles and character of each piece as interpretive guides; pieces like 'Autumn in Vermont' and 'Cape Cod Spring' benefit from imagining the specific mood or landscape.

Include selections as recital pieces throughout the school year, pairing different solos with the student's concurrent method book work. Several pieces work well in student showcases or community performances, where their tuneful character and moderate difficulty showcase progress without overwhelming the performer.

• Legato playing and sustained singing tone
• Phrasing and musical shaping at the intermediate level
• Pedal technique in lyrical contexts
• Interpretation of character and mood through repertoire
• Chord reading and harmonic awareness