Schaum's Festival of Favorites: Piano Book

Schaum's ear for what intermediate pianists can execute successfully while sounding genuinely accomplished makes this collection a teaching staple. Each piece stands on its own musical merit; these aren't stepping stones to "real" repertoire, they are repertoire, and students hear the difference in how they perform and share them.

The collection balances charm with substance. Melodies sing clearly over straightforward accompaniments that give students room to focus on musical expression rather than technical survival. Harmonic language is approachable yet never condescending, and the pieces breathe naturally.

Intermediate pianists who have developed basic technique and are ready for pieces that sound satisfying to play and listen to. These solos work well for students preparing for recitals, festivals, or simply wanting to build a collection of music they'll actually want to revisit.

• Observe the articulation markings closely; Schaum uses staccato and legato strategically to shape phrase contour, and respecting these choices transforms the musical line.
• Balance the accompaniment texture against melodic lines by practicing hands separately first, establishing dynamic relationships before combining them.
• Resist rushing into tempo; many of these pieces gain character and control at a measured pace where note clarity and phrasing are audible.

Build a recital around several selections from this collection; the variety of moods and styles means you can program contrasting pieces back-to-back without needing outside material. The duet is ideal for student partnerships or teacher-student performance pairings.

• Shaping phrase contours through articulation and dynamic control
• Balancing melody and accompaniment at the intermediate level
• Interpreting a range of musical styles within a single collection
• Developing confidence with material that sounds professional when played well
• Reading straightforward harmonic progressions and chord-based accompaniment patterns