Randall Hartsell draws on his early experience as a self-taught pianist to write music that genuinely connects with young players. Growing up in North Carolina without a piano at home, he developed his musicianship through dedicated daily practice at his aunt and uncle's house, an experience that shaped his understanding of what drives student motivation. After his parents finally purchased a piano, he began composing pieces inspired by literature from his English classes and later wrote accompaniments for his high school choir's radio broadcasts.
Hartsell studied music at East Carolina University but didn't pursue composition formally until his senior year. Teaching in a small town reignited his compositional work, and a chance meeting with publisher Lynn Freeman Olson in the early 1980s led to his first major publication, the three-book series Something Special (1990). Now based in Charlotte, he remains active as a teacher, accompanist, clinician, and church musician, with over 60 published collections and solos to his name. His gift lies in creating pieces that inspire students across all levels and ages.
Why we love this
Hartsell's Grade 2 writing strikes that rare balance between genuine musicality and technical accessibility. The piece captures something of the ocean's motion and mood without overwhelming early intermediate players with finger-twisting passages, making it a rewarding choice for students ready to explore musical imagery without losing sight of clean technique.
What to expect
Calm and flowing, with a gentle sense of movement that evokes water in motion. The piece invites contemplation rather than virtuosity, rewarding players who listen to their own sound and shape the phrases with intention.
Who it's for
Grade 2 pianists working on musical expression alongside technical development. This piece suits students who have moved beyond simple rhythm studies and are ready to explore how composers use repetition, phrasing, and dynamic contrast to create mood.
How to get the most out of it
Listen closely to the natural ebb and flow of the music; let the phrasing breathe rather than mechanically counting through measures. This etude rewards expressive playing even at Grade 2.
Pay attention to dynamic shaping across the piece. The musical character depends on how you shape phrases, not just which notes you hit.
Practice slowly enough that you can hear the harmonic movement underneath the melody. Understanding the chord progression will ground your interpretation.
How to use it
Perfect for a spring or end-of-year studio recital where you want to showcase students' growing musicianship. It also works well as a supplementary etude in a lesson when you want to develop phrasing and interpretation skills without introducing new technical challenges.
Skills your students will build
Shaping phrases with dynamic contrast at a basic level
Reading and executing repeated melodic patterns
Connecting musical character to expressive choices
Hand independence and balance between melody and accompaniment
Listening critically to tone quality and phrasing
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