Solo Xtreme, Book 1: Piano Book

Name: Solo Xtreme, Book 1: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-46097
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: InStock

9 X-traordinary and Challenging Piano Pieces

By Melody Bober

Level: Early Elementary / Elementary

Item: 00-46097

$8.99

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The term "xtreme" is often used in sports to indicate feats that go beyond the ordinary. The pieces in the Solo Xtreme series were written to encourage piano students to achieve similar feats. Pieces in this series move beyond single-line melodies that stay in one location, challenging students instead to move around the keyboard, cross hand-over-hand, use a variety of articulations, play harmonic intervals and accidentals, and use the pedal to create color and moods. At the same time, they expand technique and musicianship. Titles: Beach Fun! * Blues Band * Chitchat * Enchanted Forest Waltz * Hot Salsa! * Irish Fiddlin' * Kitesurfing * The Old Typewriter * Pizza to Go. A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection. A Federation Festivals 2024-2028 selection.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, Solo Xtreme, Book 1: Piano Book comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Series: Solo Xtreme

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 24

ISBN10: 1-4706-3865-7

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-3865-8

UPC: 038081529486

SKU: 00-46097

More about this title

About the Composer: Melody Bober

Melody Bober studied music education at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, graduating summa cum laude, then earned a Master of Arts in piano performance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Her musical foundation comes from studying with accomplished mentors including pianist Joel Shapiro and Andrew Froelich, music educator Mary Hoffman, and jazz pianist Tony Caramia.

Bober has spent over two decades in music education across public schools and university instruction, while maintaining a private piano studio and serving as a church pianist and music director. Her work as a clinician and composer has made her a sought-after presence at piano teacher conventions and workshops throughout North America. She lives in Minnesota with her husband Jeff.

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Why we love this

Bober refuses to let early elementary students coast with static hand positions and predictable melodies. These nine pieces demand that young pianists navigate the keyboard with intention, cross their hands confidently, and engage with real musical choices like pedal coloring and articulation variety. Students finish this book not just with new pieces, but with expanded technical vocabulary and genuine musicianship.

What to expect

These pieces pulse with personality. From the beachside energy of "Beach Fun!" to the contemplative shimmer of "Enchanted Forest Waltz" and the groove-driven swagger of "Hot Salsa!" and "Blues Band," each one invites students into a distinct musical world. The writing respects young ears while refusing to talk down to them.

Who it's for

Early elementary piano students who are ready to move beyond single-position, single-hand melodies and want to discover what their whole keyboard can do. Teachers seeking recital repertoire that builds independence, confidence, and genuine technique without sacrificing fun or musical engagement.

How to get the most out of it

Map out hand-crossing passages before playing through the piece at tempo. Mark where the right hand dips below the left or vice versa so crossings feel planned rather than rushed.
Experiment with the pedal in pieces that call for it. Use the sustain pedal to hear how different moods emerge; listen for when the sound becomes muddy and when it becomes rich.
Practice articulations away from the melody. Work staccatos and legatos as separate exercises so they become automatic, freeing your attention for navigation and expression.
Record yourself and listen for evenness as you move across different keyboard regions. Hand position should stay relaxed whether you're in the low register or treble.

How to use it

Build an entire recital around this collection or scatter pieces across a season of performances. The varied moods and styles work particularly well for spring recitals or student showcase events where diversity keeps audiences engaged. Any of these titles also serves as a confident encore piece.