Shadows on the Moon - Piano Solo: Piano Solo

This collection spans continents and moods without losing coherence. You'll travel from the atmospheric shimmer of moonlit reflections to the infectious rhythms of Brazilian and Spanish dances, each piece arriving with its own character fully realized. The writing feels both contemporary and timeless, never talking down to the student.

Early intermediate and intermediate piano students preparing for recitals, festivals, or contests will find freshly written material that rewards careful practice. Teachers building balanced recital programs benefit from the breadth of styles and moods within a single, affordable collection.

• Pedal thoughtfully in pieces like Reflections of the Moon and Aeolian Harp; these atmospheric titles invite resonance, but clarity matters more than wash. Listen to how the harmonies stack and release the pedal before harmonies blur.
• Bring rhythmic precision and character to the dance pieces (Hopak, The Spider Dance, ¡Olé!). These titles promise energy; lock in your pulse early in rehearsal and let the groove carry the piece.
• Shape phrase endings with both dynamic and tempo nuance. Garrow's melodies reward singers' instincts; think of each phrase as breathing, not just stopping.

Select contrasting pieces for recital programming: pair a lyrical piece like Reflections of the Moon with a rhythmic showstopper such as The Spider Dance or Hopak. This book also serves as a festival source; the Federation Festivals 2024-2028 designation confirms its alignment with competitive standards, making it ideal for students preparing for contest seasons.

• Pedal control and selective damping in pieces with sustained harmonies
• Rhythmic independence between hands, especially in dance-form pieces
• Phrasing and musical storytelling across varied tempos and textures
• Sight-reading confidence through exposure to multiple styles and key signatures
• Dynamic shaping and tone color at the intermediate level