Supplementary Solos, Level 2: Piano Book

A relief from the weight of formal study. These pieces carry genuine musical personality, whether playful, lyrical, or rhythmically spirited. Each one feels like a small reward for the work of building solid piano fundamentals.

Late elementary pianists who need engaging material beyond technical studies but aren't yet ready for traditional classical repertoire. This book works especially well for students whose interest wavers when lessons focus solely on technique.

• Match the stylistic character to the recording if one is available; lighter pieces demand crisp articulation and relaxed tempo control.
• Balance rhythmic precision with the conversational feel these popular-style pieces demand; they should never sound mechanical.
• Encourage students to listen to real examples of the styles represented, whether jazz, folk, or other genres, so the idioms feel authentic rather than imitative.

Rotate one of these pieces into every few weeks of lessons as a motivational counterpoint to scales and method book work. They're ideal for recitals where you want to showcase personality and style alongside classical polish, or for ensemble performances where a piano solo can brighten the program.

• Rhythmic independence and control in popular and jazz-inflected idioms
• Stylistic nuance and expressive shaping beyond classical convention
• Hand-eye coordination across a variety of technical figurations
• Listening and interpretive skills through exposure to character pieces and lighter forms