Simply Sensational!, Book 2: Piano Book

Alexander writes pieces that reward students with genuine musicality and satisfying keyboard geography without requiring advanced technique. These works deliver the sonic impact and emotional substance of much more difficult repertoire, building confidence while keeping technical demands manageable for early intermediate pianists. The collection proves that accessible doesn't mean simplistic.

Each piece balances lyrical melodic writing with careful texture and spacing that gives the ear something substantial to hold onto. The music feels contemporary and expressive while remaining grounded in pianistic clarity and accessibility.

Late elementary through early intermediate students and returning adult pianists who want engaging music that sounds sophisticated without overwhelming technique. This book serves pianists ready to move beyond purely pedagogical pieces but who still need pieces that reinforce solid fundamentals.

• Listen closely to where each piece sits on the keyboard. Alexander spaces these pieces across the full range intentionally; exploring the geography during practice makes the music sound fuller and more accomplished.
• Shape the phrases with dynamic awareness rather than relying on pedal alone. These pieces respond beautifully to subtle changes in touch and volume that students can actually control at this level.
• Take time with the titles and imagery before playing. Pieces like "Full Moon Rising" and "Yesterday's Dreams" invite interpretive choices; let students find their own tempo relationships and expressive colors based on the mood each title suggests.

Build a student recital around several of these pieces; their evocative titles and musical maturity create a cohesive, emotionally engaging program without requiring advanced repertoire. They also work well alongside pieces from other collections at the same level, serving as go-to options when you need something that sounds "bigger" than its difficulty suggests.

• Navigating wide keyboard ranges and hand position shifts
• Balancing melody and accompaniment across different registers
• Shaping phrases through touch and dynamics rather than pedal dependency
• Reading and interpreting descriptive titles as guides to tempo and character
• Building confidence in early intermediate repertoire with musical substance