Solo Xtreme, Book 6: Piano Book

These eight pieces genuinely demand something your late intermediate and early advanced students haven't mastered yet. Rather than inflate difficulty artificially, Bober isolates specific technical challenges (hand-crossing, large stretches, pedal-dependent color) and wraps them in engaging musical contexts that make students want to conquer the piece, not just endure it.

These pieces sparkle with personality. You'll find the rhythmic energy of a Brazilian carnival, the laid-back swagger of island jazz, the introspection of a prelude in minor, and the orchestral drama of a tempest all in one book. Each piece stands alone musically while sharing a commitment to color, movement, and genuine challenge.

Late intermediate and early advanced piano students ready to tackle hand-crossing, large chord voicings, and expressive pedal work in a single collection. Recital pianists who need fresh, engaging repertoire that matches their growing technical range without feeling like a boring etude book.

• Map out hand-crossing passages at full tempo before adding any speed. Slow, deliberate placement prevents accidents and builds confidence.
• Use the sustain pedal as an active musical tool, not an afterthought. Listen for how each piece asks the pedal to blend or separate harmonies, and change it precisely on the harmonic beat, not the melodic one.
• Find the articulation patterns early in your practice. Each title has a distinct approach to touch, and nailing those choices prevents muddy or brittle interpretations.
• Identify the hand position shifts required in each piece and practice those transitions independently. Mark any awkward jumps in your score so you're never surprised in performance.

Program one of these pieces as a recital centerpiece for a student entering early advanced repertoire, or pair a few together in a student showcase to demonstrate the range of late intermediate/early advanced writing. The stylistic variety makes these strong choices for spring or competition programs where you need pieces that show growth without overwhelming the performer.

• Hand-crossing and navigating between treble and bass registers fluidly
• Pedal technique for creating harmonic color and mood changes
• Voicing and executing large chord formations across multiple octaves
• Reading and executing varied articulations (legato, staccato, marcato) in quick succession
• Managing hand position shifts and large intervallic jumps with accuracy
• Developing stylistic interpretation across multiple genres (jazz, classical, contemporary)