Melody's Choice, Book 3: Intermediate Piano Book

This collection draws from Bober's extensive catalog of solo and ensemble material, curated specifically for students navigating the intermediate plateau. The stylistic variety means students encounter everything from lyrical writing to rhythmic challenges without feeling pigeonholed into a single aesthetic, and the book structure itself encourages consistent practice across multiple genres.

This book delivers the satisfaction of playing real pieces at a manageable level. The music feels purposeful and varied, keeping practice sessions engaging while building genuine musicianship skills that extend beyond technique.

Intermediate pianists ready to move beyond method book drills and engage with real musical styles. Students at this level benefit from curated collections that offer breadth without overwhelming choice, making this an ideal stepping stone toward building independent repertoire selections.

• Survey the entire book early to identify which pieces align with your student's interests and current technical focus; pairing repertoire with their intrinsic motivation accelerates learning.
• Pay attention to the dynamic and tempo markings as vehicles for expression rather than decorative details. Many intermediate pianists rush this stage, but Bober's writing rewards the student who shapes phrases intentionally.
• Use the variety of styles to address specific technical needs. If a student struggles with legato, lean into the lyrical pieces; if rhythm feels loose, the rhythmic studies offer concrete practice material.

Structure student recitals by pairing contrasting pieces from this collection, or use individual selections as warm-up repertoire in ensemble settings where pianists need reliable solo material. The stylistic range makes it valuable for students preparing auditions or building a portfolio that showcases versatility.

• Reading and interpreting dynamic markings and tempo variations
• Sustaining musical phrases across different hand positions
• Navigating stylistic shifts within a single practice session
• Translating rhythmic notation into physically coherent performance
• Building independence in choosing and managing practice priorities