Jennifer Linn brings three decades of teaching experience and a prolific compositional output to every piece she writes. A concert pianist and clinician with degrees from the UMKC Conservatory of Music, she has shaped the sound of educational piano literature through over 300 original works published by Alfred, G. Schirmer, Hal Leonard, and Music Sales America. Her work spans studio teaching, university-level pedagogy, and international master classes across the United States, Canada, and India.
Linn's leadership in music education earned her recognition as the 2013 UMKC Alumni of the Year and, in 2020, the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. During her tenure as Manager of Educational Piano at Hal Leonard, she deepened her commitment to creating music that serves both the developing pianist's technical needs and musical growth.
Why we love this
Linn's gift for whimsy paired with clear pedagogical intent makes this piece a delight in studio or classroom settings. The title itself invites playfulness, and the music delivers exactly what young pianists need: accessible yet charming writing that sustains their interest across three pages without overwhelming their technical grasp.
What to expect
Light, observant, and full of personality. The music captures the spirit of a curious feline with inventive harmonic touches and a narrative quality that keeps listeners engaged despite the straightforward technical demands.
Who it's for
Early to intermediate pianists seeking repertoire that combines charm with genuine pedagogical value. This piece works equally well in private studio settings and group piano classes where engagement and musical enjoyment matter alongside skill building.
How to get the most out of it
Encourage students to listen to the character of the piece first; decide where the kitty is curious, playful, or resting before diving into technique.
Map out hand position changes and any awkward reaches in advance so technical security frees up musical attention during rehearsal.
Let the tempo breathe naturally rather than locking it in stone; younger students often discover musical shape through slight tempo flexibility in sections.
How to use it
Pair this with other character pieces in a recital to create variety without stretching beyond intermediate-level difficulty. It also serves studio teachers well as a bridge piece that builds confidence while introducing slightly more sophisticated musical thinking.
Skills your students will build
Voice leading in simple harmonic progressions
Pedal control for color and resonance
Phrase shaping at a moderate tempo
Comfortable navigating shifts between hand positions
Connection between title, character, and musical gesture
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
