Randall Hartsell discovered piano at age 12, commuting daily to his aunt and uncle's house for practice since his family hadn't yet purchased an instrument. That dedication paid off: his parents bought him a piano after a year, and by high school he was already composing pieces inspired by his English literature reading and accompanying the choir for radio broadcasts.
Hartsell pursued music formally at East Carolina University, though he didn't formally study composition until senior year. After graduation, he taught in a small town and returned to composing with renewed focus. A pivotal 1980s conversation with publisher Lynn Freeman Olson led to his first major publication, the three-book series Something Special (1990). Since then, over 60 collections and solos bearing his name have reached publishers. Today, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, he remains active as teacher, composer, accompanist, clinician, and church musician.
Why we love this
Hartsell writes Grade 2 material that actually sounds like something worth playing. The lyrical voice here avoids cuteness while staying accessible, and the four-page length gives students real repertoire without overwhelming them during technique development.
What to expect
Lyrical and expressive without sentimentality. The piece invites rubato and dynamic shaping, encouraging students to think about phrasing early in their learning.
Who it's for
Students in Grade 2 who are ready for single-page to multi-page pieces beyond basic method book exercises. This works equally well for the eager young pianist and the adult beginner seeking substantive material.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the melodic line with subtle dynamic shaping rather than strict uniformity; Grade 2 students often respond well to singing through their fingers.
Identify hand position shifts ahead of time and practice them slowly separate from the musical flow to build security.
Balance the accompaniment texture so it supports rather than dominates the top voice.
How to use it
Fit this into a recital program as a solo that demonstrates growth in tone control and musical interpretation. At four pages, it stands on its own without needing a pairing, or group several Grade 2 Hartsell pieces together to create a cohesive student showcase.
Skills your students will build
Sustained melodic phrasing across multiple measures
Dynamic range and expressive shaping at an elementary level
Hand independence in accompaniment patterns
Pedal introduction (if applicable to the score)
Comfort with pieces extending beyond single-page length
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