Student Favorites, Book 3: Early Intermediate/Intermediate Piano Book

Miller's gift is knowing exactly what holds a student's attention at this level. Book 3 avoids the generic exercise feel that can make intermediate collections forgettable; instead, each piece offers something musically distinctive while building real competencies. Teachers return to this series repeatedly because students actually want to practice these pieces.

The collection spans emotional terrain without pretension. You'll encounter moments of quiet reflection, playful rhythmic games, and pieces that let students feel like they're playing something genuinely musical rather than just executing exercises. Melodically, the writing stays singable and memorable even when harmonic or rhythmic elements are more complex.

This collection suits students solidifying their early intermediate foundation and those beginning intermediate work. It works equally well in private lesson rotations, group piano classes, and students preparing for competitions or recitals who need varied, engaging material.

• Listen to stylistic recordings before diving into unfamiliar idioms. Miller includes everything from jazz-inflected pieces to contemporary writing, and your ear will guide interpretation faster than notation alone.
• Isolate rhythmic patterns that feel awkward at tempo. Early intermediate students often rush through syncopation, so slowing down specific measures and counting aloud prevents bad habits from forming.
• Let students choose which pieces to tackle first. Ownership of repertoire selection increases engagement and gives them agency in their own progress.

Assign individual pieces across a semester rather than working straight through the book. This lets you match repertoire to what students are technically ready for in any given week and keeps recital material feeling fresh. Pieces also work well as supplementary material alongside method books or as recital fodder when you need something beyond standard arrangements.

• Playing across varied harmonic progressions (functional harmony and contemporary tonality)
• Reading and executing syncopated rhythms with confidence
• Interpreting different musical styles with appropriate articulation and touch
• Balancing melodic independence between hands
• Building stamina for pieces of moderate length