Piano Extravaganza, Solo Book 2: Piano Book

Vandall gives intermediate pianists real musical territory to explore. Each piece in this collection offers genuine stylistic variety—from the blues idiom of Dennison Depot Blues to the rhythmic drive of Grand Tarantella—without creating unnecessary technical barriers. Students feel like they're playing grown-up repertoire while building confidence at the right level.

A collection that swings between moods without losing coherence. You'll find moments of introspection (Peaceful Moments, Stargazing Nocturne) balanced against energetic, rhythmically driven pieces (Dennison Depot Blues, Grand Tarantella). Fireworks captures the visual spectacle of celebration in sound, while After the Storm offers reflective space. The writing throughout feels natural to the piano, never forcing hands into uncomfortable positions.

Intermediate pianists who are ready to handle stylistic variety and expressive choices without getting bogged down in technical complexity. This book works especially well for students in their second or third year of lessons who need fresh material that feels contemporary and fun.

• Approach the hand freedom in each piece as a compositional feature, not a license to rush or drag. Let the written notes guide your tempo relationships even when your hands are moving around the keyboard.
• Pedal choices matter considerably in Peaceful Moments and Stargazing Nocturne. Experiment with partial pedal and pedal changes on harmonic shifts rather than holding down the sustain throughout.
• Lock in the rhythmic foundation in pieces like Fireworks and Holiday by playing the left hand with steady pulse first, then layering the right hand's decorative material on top.
• Use contrasts in dynamics and articulation to shape each piece's arc. These solos reward clarity of touch more than raw power.

These solos work beautifully in student recitals where you want to showcase musical growth across different styles in one sitting. Pair them with classical or romantic-era standards to show students that contemporary pedagogical writing can stand alongside traditional repertoire. Individual pieces also fit naturally into studio performances themed around specific moods or seasonal events.

• Hand independence and freedom around the keyboard while maintaining rhythmic integrity
• Stylistic versatility across blues, classical, and contemporary idioms
• Pedal technique and selective sustain use for different harmonic contexts
• Phrase shaping and dynamic contrast without advanced technical requirements
• Reading and interpreting performance instructions that encourage musical interpretation