Picture This!, Book 2: Intermediate Piano Book

Roubos avoids the trap of writing about pictures with generic flourishes. Instead, each title connects to genuine musical characterization: the pieces actually sound like what they describe. Students develop stronger interpretive instincts because the music demands it, and they discover that intermediate repertoire doesn't have to choose between technical growth and artistic engagement.

Imaginative and accessible without sacrificing musical substance. Each piece creates a distinct sonic landscape, moving you from playful scenarios to contemplative moments. The writing feels conversational, as if Roubos is sharing a series of musical daydreams.

Intermediate pianists who respond well to programmatic music and want to develop interpretive skills alongside technical refinement. This collection suits students who benefit from clear visual or narrative anchors, as well as those preparing for recitals that call for engaging, accessible repertoire.

• Read through the entire collection first to notice how Roubos uses familiar melodic quotes. Spotting these references deepens interpretation and can guide your phrasing.
• Let the descriptive titles inform your tone and tempo choices rather than treating them as mere names. A piece about a forgotten road needs different emotional weight than one about breakfast.
• Pay close attention to dynamic shaping within individual phrases. Many of these pieces achieve their imagery through subtle contrast rather than dramatic shifts.
• Experiment with pedal use to enhance the atmospheric quality of pieces that evoke specific places or moods.

Build a recital around thematic selections from this book, pairing them with contrasting classical or contemporary pieces for variety. The descriptive nature of these works also makes them excellent choices for educational concerts where you want to introduce audiences to how music communicates without words.

• Connecting musical expression to concrete imagery and storytelling
• Developing interpretive choices based on programmatic context
• Ensemble listening skills through noticing familiar melodic references
• Varied articulation and tone color within intermediate technical ranges
• Pedal technique for atmospheric effect
• Sustained musical phrasing across longer structures