Martha Mier's Favorite Solos, Book 2: Piano Book

Mier has curated this collection with a teacher's ear for what actually works in the studio. The mix of styles (blues, rags, waltzes, character pieces) keeps students engaged across a range of musical interests while the late elementary to early intermediate span makes this a genuine supplement rather than a book requiring retrofitting to fit your curriculum.

This collection reads like a curated playlist rather than a textbook assignment. You move from the syncopated energy of a rag to the gentle impressionism of a waltz to the bluesy character of a lullaby, each piece opening a different musical door without repeating itself.

Late elementary and early intermediate piano students who benefit from repertoire that offers genuine musical variety beyond a single method book. Teachers seeking reliable, engaging solos that complement standard curricula without requiring students to jump to advanced repertoire.

• Approach the ragtime and blues pieces (Chattanooga Blues, Copper Penny Rag, Peppermint Rag) by establishing the rhythmic pocket first; these stylistic solos depend on steady, confident rhythm before you layer in expressive timing.
• Balance the melodic line against accompaniment patterns in character pieces like Firefly Waltz and Swaying Willow Trees by using dynamic shaping to ensure the tune sings over the supporting figures.
• Pay attention to pedal markings in the impressionistic pieces such as Summer Rain; the harmonic color relies on careful pedal changes to blend without muddying.
• Practice Frontier Frolic and Busy Fingers hands separately first, as the rhythmic coordination between right and left hand figures strengthens accuracy before adding tempo.

Use individual solos from this book for recitals, studio performances, or festivals throughout the year; the variety of styles means you have appropriate pieces ready for students with different musical interests. Pair these selections with technical studies to show students how the patterns they practice in scales and exercises come to life in actual music.

• Syncopated rhythm and swing feel in blues and rag styles
• Pedal control for harmonic color and sonority
• Melody shaping and phrasing over accompanying patterns
• Tempo and rhythmic control in varied styles
• Hand independence and coordination across multiple textures