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Mr. "A" Presents First Lyric Pieces, Book 1: Piano Book

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Mr. "A" Presents First Lyric Pieces, Book 1: Piano Book

7 Romantic Late Elementary Piano Solos

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Late Elementary

Item: 00-14768

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Description
This collection is for teacher wanting to prepare students for the Romantic style early in the development of the student. Since no intervals larger than a 6th are used, these are good for small hands. Offers a lot of variety. Late elementary. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
ISBN10: 0-7390-2318-7
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-2318-1
UPC: 038081021423
SKU: 00-14768

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano pedagogy for decades through his work as a composer, performer, and teacher. His career began in earnest at the University of Montana, where he taught piano pedagogy and served as piano department chair for 24 years before relocating to California. Since joining Alfred Music Publishing in 1986, he has created over 400 publications that have established him as one of the most widely performed composers of educational piano repertoire across all levels.

Beyond the page, Alexander remains active as a soloist, collaborative artist, and clinician. He has performed at Carnegie Recital Hall, toured internationally through Asia and beyond, adjudicated national competitions, and served as president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association. His commissions have come from numerous state and national organizations, reflecting the trust educators place in his deep understanding of how students learn at the piano.

Why we love this

Alexander writes with a gift for capturing Romantic flavor without overwhelming early learners. The restraint of his hand positions (no intervals larger than a 6th) combined with the stylistic sophistication means students encounter genuine musical ideas while their technique catches up. The 16-page scope offers enough breadth to sustain interest without feeling scattered, making this an ideal bridge from early elementary repertoire into the richer harmonic world ahead.

What to expect

These pieces breathe with the lyricism and gentle harmonic color of early Romantic repertoire. The writing feels spacious and singing, inviting students to discover how expressive depth emerges from clear voicing and restrained hand positions rather than technical complexity.

Who it's for

Late elementary students ready to explore Romantic idioms with secure hand positions and growing interpretive awareness. Teachers preparing ensembles or festival entries will find accessible yet musically substantial material that sounds more advanced than it plays.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape each phrase by listening for the natural rise and fall of the melody rather than playing note by note. Alexander's lyricism rewards gentle breathing space between musical ideas.
  • Pedal sparingly and listen carefully before adding it. Many of these pieces work better with minimal or no pedal, letting the hand positions and the harmonic writing speak clearly.
  • Pay attention to fingering suggestions and stick with them. Alexander's fingering choices are pedagogically intentional and prepare the hand for future repertoire.

How to use it

This collection serves well as a festival repertoire anchor, offering variety suitable for the 2024-2028 Federation Festivals season. Scatter selections throughout a recital or lesson rotation to maintain student engagement with Romantic style vocabulary over several months.

Skills your students will build

  • Pedal control and listening (understanding when not to use pedal)
  • Phrasing and legit interpretation at the late elementary level
  • Hand position security with intervals up to a 6th
  • Early Romantic harmonic vocabulary and style conventions
  • Melodic shaping and expressive playing without technical density

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