Premiered at MTNA 2023, this new work by Kevin Olson has a driving rhythm and jazz feel. For one piano, four hands at the Late Intermediate/Early Advanced level.
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Kevin Olson is a prolific composer and arranger whose music appears regularly in concert halls, festivals, and music studios across North America. His compositions span multiple genres and ensemble types, with particular strength in writing for young and developing musicians. Olson's work often blends contemporary idioms with accessible pedagogy, making his pieces both musically engaging and technically manageable for student performers.
Why we love this
Olson captures the energy and humor of a dinosaur-themed rocker without resorting to novelty. The writing sits comfortably for four hands at this level while maintaining genuine jazz vocabulary and rhythmic drive that keeps both pianists engaged and interested throughout the piece.
What to expect
Energetic and fun without being frivolous. The driving rhythm and jazz feel create momentum and playfulness, with enough musical substance to engage serious young pianists. This is music built to be performed with confidence and a sense of contemporary style.
Who it's for
Late Intermediate to Early Advanced piano duet teams ready to explore contemporary jazz-influenced writing. This is ideal for students who have developed solid ensemble skills and want to perform something with current appeal and genuine musicality beyond the typical duet repertoire at this level.
How to get the most out of it
Establish the groove early in rehearsal by having both pianists play the rhythm pattern separately, then layer them together to lock in the pocket before adding melodic content.
Balance the part distribution so neither pianist dominates; use dynamic markings intentionally to highlight the interplay between primo and secondo rather than treating one as accompaniment.
Pay attention to articulation and note length in jazz passages. Clean, precise releases will enhance the rhythmic clarity and swing feel.
Record yourselves playing sections of the piece. Listening back reveals rhythmic alignment issues and allows pianists to hear the overall effect of their individual contributions.
How to use it
Program this in a recital or concert featuring contemporary duet repertoire, or pair it with other ensemble pieces to showcase your students' collaborative skills. Its approachable energy makes it work well as a centerpiece in a student showcase or as the kind of crowd-pleasing finale that leaves audiences smiling.
Skills your students will build
Jazz rhythm interpretation and swing feel
Ensemble balance and communication between primo and secondo
Contemporary harmonic language and syncopation
Coordination of independent rhythmic patterns across two performers
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