Showstoppers!: Piano Book

Alexander writes for intermediate pianists with unfailing attention to hand position and technique, meaning students actually enjoy playing what you assign them. These five pieces strike the sweet spot between impressive sound and achievable execution, making them reliable choices for recitals and festivals where you need a win.

Each solo combines rhythmic vitality with accessible technical figures that sit naturally under the fingers, creating that gratifying sensation when a piece sounds far more dazzling than it felt difficult to learn. The writing emphasizes repetition and sequence, so phrases build familiarity quickly and performance energy flows naturally.

Intermediate to late intermediate pianists preparing for recitals or festivals who want repertoire that sounds impressive without requiring advanced hand span or virtuosic independence between the hands. These pieces are ideal for students ready to move beyond early intermediate repertoire but not yet prepared for full late intermediate/early advanced standard works.

• Map the hand positions before diving into tempo. Alexander's patterns are designed to sit comfortably under the hand, but students who rush into performance speed often lose that ergonomic advantage and compensate with tension.
• Record yourself playing through each piece at performance tempo. These solos are meant to sparkle, and a recording reveals whether the fingerwork is truly even or if fatigue is creeping in during the technical passages.
• Use the rhythmic momentum to carry lighter passages. Rather than treating each section as separate, think of the piece as one long arc that builds energy; this keeps the performance from feeling choppy between the flashy moments.
• Experiment with pedal carefully in passages marked with faster note values. The dazzle can blur if the pedal changes aren't surgical, so plan them as deliberately as you would a difficult hand shift.

Feature one or two of these pieces in a spring or fall recital as crowd-pleasers between more substantial works, or assign them as festival preparation vehicles for students who need a confidence boost and quick results. Their flashy character makes them excellent choices for informal performances, open houses, or moments in a studio recital where you want pure musical entertainment.

• Even, rapid fingerwork in patterns that repeat across registers
• Hand position stability during passages with wide intervallic leaps
• Rhythmic clarity and articulation control at intermediate tempos
• Pedal technique in contexts that require selective timing rather than full changes
• Confidence in performance through repertoire that delivers immediate musical gratification