Simple Pleasures: Piano
8 Expressive Solos for Intermediate Pianists
By Catherine Rollin
Level: Intermediate
Item: 00-PS-0017713
$7.99
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Description
This collection of intermediate piano solos is perfect for the romantic at heart. All of the pieces are lyrical, expressive, and absolutely beautiful! Titles: Daydream * First Loss * A Heart Takes Flight * Lament * A Lovely Mood * Love Theme * Prairie Love * Simple Pleasures. "Love Theme" is on the ABRSM 2025-2026 Piano Syllabus.
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Sample Audio
1
Daydream
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Daydream
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
24
SKU:
00-PS-0017713
More about this title
About the Composer: Catherine Rollin
Catherine Rollin built her reputation by balancing an active performance schedule with a teaching studio that has produced award-winning students. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Oakland University School of Performing Arts, and her compositional work has earned commissions from major organizations including MTNA, the Michigan Music Teachers Association, and Clavier Companion magazine. Her pieces appear regularly in the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals Bulletin, and she has judged national competitions at the highest levels.
Rollin's reach extends across North America and Asia, where she conducts workshops and masterclasses in over 200 cities. Her multimedia composition series Museum Masterpieces earned ASCAP recognition, and her trio Suite Detroit premiered at the 2018 MTNA national conference. The Steinway Society has honored her dual artistry as both composer and performer.
Why we love this
Rollin writes music that students actually want to practice. These eight pieces strike an uncommon balance: each one has genuine lyrical substance and emotional depth, yet the technical demands stay within reach for intermediate players. The inclusion of 'Love Theme' on the ABRSM 2025-2026 syllabus signals both the quality of the writing and its appeal to adjudicators and teachers making repertoire decisions.
What to expect
Stepping into these pieces feels like reading intimate journal entries. Each one captures a distinct emotional moment, longing, reflection, contentment, sorrow, without overwrought language. The writing is transparent enough that the emotional intent comes through immediately, yet rich enough to reward thoughtful interpretation.
Who it's for
Intermediate pianists who have developed basic technical security and are ready to focus on expression and phrasing. Teachers seeking accessible yet musically substantial pieces for students preparing for auditions, competitions, or recitals will find this collection especially useful.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melodic line with intention. Rollin's pieces rely on subtle dynamic shaping and phrase breathing rather than dramatic gestures; let the beauty of the line itself carry the emotion.
- Explore the emotional landscape of each piece before worrying about technical perfection. 'First Loss' and 'Lament' require a different interpretive approach than 'A Heart Takes Flight.' Read through all eight to understand the collection's range.
- Control the pedal with care. Romantic writing invites heavy pedaling, but these pieces often need clarity. Experiment with partial pedal and frequent changes to match the harmonic rhythm.
- Trust the simplicity of the accompaniment figures. Rollin often leaves the left hand minimal and rhythmic; resist the urge to make it busier or more expressive than written.
How to use it
Use individual pieces as recital anchors; 'Love Theme' and 'Simple Pleasures' both make strong concert closers. Program several pieces back-to-back to showcase different expressive colors, or select one or two to pair with contrasting styles by other composers. For students preparing for ABRSM exams, 'Love Theme' is a natural syllabus choice that connects to a full collection they can explore.
Skills your students will build
- Lyrical line shaping and sustained melodic phrasing
- Nuanced pedal control in harmonic settings
- Dynamic subtlety and gradual crescendo/diminuendo
- Emotional communication through minimal technical material
- Understanding rubato and expressive timing in romantic idiom