Jennifer Linn brings three decades of teaching experience to every piece she writes. A concert pianist with degrees from the UMKC Conservatory of Music, she has spent her career balancing performance, composition, and mentorship across independent studios, group classes, and university pedagogy programs. Her work has taken her through workshops and master classes in the United States, Canada, and India, where she shares her deep understanding of how students learn at the keyboard.
With over 300 published compositions and arrangements through major houses including Hal Leonard, Alfred, and G. Schirmer, Linn has become one of the most prolific voices in educational piano repertoire. Her recognition extends beyond the page: she held the role of Manager-Educational Piano at Hal Leonard for a decade, received the 2013 UMKC Alumni of the Year award, and was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 for her leadership in music education.
Why we love this
Linn takes the famous Saint-Saëns showpiece and reimagines it for students who want the thrill of virtuosic figuration without the technical barriers of the original. The piece captures genuine excitement and humor while keeping the hand position manageable and the musical payoff immediate, making it a perfect encore or recital item that builds confidence.
What to expect
A flurry of buzzing activity and mischievous energy. The rapid, darting figures suggest a creature in constant motion, punctuated by moments where the music catches its breath before diving back into the fray with renewed vigor.
Who it's for
Intermediate students who crave sparkly, engaging repertoire with real musical substance. This works beautifully for pianists ready to tackle rapid figuration and want a recognizable, impressive-sounding piece to add to their repertoire.
How to get the most out of it
Anchor the left hand rhythm clearly; the steady pulse underneath the flying right-hand notes gives the piece its energy and keeps the tempo from rushing
Shape the ascending and descending passages with a slight crescendo and decrescendo respectively, letting the dynamic rise and fall track the melodic motion
Practice the ornamental sections hands separately until the right hand can execute the figures fluidly, then layer in the left hand at performance tempo
Lean into the character: this hornet has personality, so allow brief moments of rhythmic playfulness rather than machine-like precision
How to use it
Position this as a recital closer or encore; its compact length and immediate appeal make it satisfying without overstaying its welcome. The recognizable melody and playful character also make it an excellent candidate for student showcases or informal performance opportunities where you want something that engages both the performer and the audience.
Skills your students will build
Executing rapid scalar and ornamental passages with clarity and control
Balancing melodic interest in the right hand with rhythmic stability in the left hand
Maintaining evenness and fluidity through extended runs and figuration
Building confidence with virtuosic-sounding material at an accessible technical level
Shaping phrasing within fast-moving passages
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