Pictures and Beyond, Book 2: Piano Book

Rahbee structures each piece around a single musical concept, intervals, rhythm, scale patterns, emotional expression, so students understand exactly what they're developing rather than simply playing through pages of exercises. The inclusion of ensemble works (trio, quartet) alongside solo pieces gives you multiple ways to use this book in group lessons or studio settings. These aren't abstract studies; they're actual pieces with character and musical purpose.

Modern without being austere. These pieces have rhythmic buoyancy, surprising harmonic moments, and folk-music warmth that keep students' hands engaged and their ears curious. You'll find yourself discovering new interpretive choices with each run-through.

Intermediate and early intermediate pianists ready to move beyond generic exercises and engage with contemporary compositional voices. The varied ensemble options make this valuable for group piano classes, studio collective lessons, or independent study programs where musical maturity matters as much as technical advancement.

• Identify the focal technical element before the first rehearsal. Ask your student, 'What is this piece teaching us?' The answer shapes how you practice.
• The Armenian folk tune and tarantella benefit from attention to rhythmic energy and articulation. Don't let unfamiliar cultural contexts flatten the style.
• When working the ensemble pieces, balance the individual voice development with ensemble cohesion. Each 'player' (hand or student) should hear their part's independence before combining.

Scatter individual selections throughout the year as students prepare repertoire for studio recitals, or work through the book sequentially as your primary pedagogical text. The trio and quartet arrangements offer natural touchpoints for end-of-term collaborative performances when students want variety beyond solo playing.

• Interval recognition and intonation in both melodic and harmonic contexts
• Rhythmic pattern clarity and execution in contemporary meters
• Exploration of unusual scale patterns and modal thinking
• Emotional storytelling through interpretive choices
• Ensemble awareness and independence within group settings
• Sight-reading of contemporary notation and style markings