The Best of Catherine Rollin, Book 2 Cover Image

The Best of Catherine Rollin, Book 2: Piano Book

$5.95 USD
Sale price  $5.95 USD Regular price 
Skip to product information
The Best of Catherine Rollin, Book 2 Cover Image

The Best of Catherine Rollin, Book 2: Piano Book

A Special Collection of 6 Early Intermediate to Intermediate Favorite Piano Solos

By Catherine Rollin

Level: Intermediate / Late Intermediate

Item: 00-18100

$5.95
Shipped

One moment…

Description
Book 2 in this series includes sheet music solos written for intermediate to late-intermediate piano students. The five solos are instantly captivating and a joy to play. Titles: Forest Dawn * Rockin' in New Orleans * Peanut Butter Rag * Stars and Wind * Summer's Nocturne.

The Best of Catherine Rollin, Book 2: Piano Book isn't in MakeMusic Cloud just yet...but it could be. Let us know you'd like to see it, and you'll help shape what comes next. In the meantime, start a free trial and dive into thousands of interactive titles your students can play along with today.

Sample Pages

Sample Audio
No sample audio found.
Sample Video
Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 16
UPC: 038081159522
SKU: 00-18100

More about this title

About the Composer: Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin balances an active performance schedule with mentoring accomplished students, having delivered masterclasses and workshops across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. She earned her Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with distinction from the University of Michigan and her Master of Music degree from Oakland University School of Performing Arts.

Rollin's compositions have garnered significant recognition, including commissions from Clavier Companion magazine, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Michigan Music Teachers Association. Her work has been selected multiple times for the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals Bulletin, and she has served as a national judge for the MTNA Student Composition Competition and the Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest. In 2018, the MTNA commissioned her trio for flute, alto saxophone, and piano called Suite Detroit, which premiered at the national conference in Orlando. That same year, the Steinway Society featured her in concert as both composer and pianist, highlighting her ASCAP award-winning Museum Masterpieces series.

Why we love this

Rollin writes for intermediate pianists with genuine stylistic range and character. These pieces avoid the predictable by pairing accessible technique with distinct musical personalities (Americana swagger in "Rockin' in New Orleans," impressionistic subtlety in "Summer's Nocturne"), giving students memorable repertoire that rewards both practice and performance.

What to expect

This collection spans moods with confidence. You move from the serene awakening of "Forest Dawn" to the infectious energy of "Rockin' in New Orleans," then settle into ragtime charm and impressionistic reflection. Each piece has its own voice, yet Rollin's fingerprint—lyrical, colorful, and deeply playable—runs through them all.

Who it's for

Intermediate to late-intermediate pianists looking for contemporary solo repertoire that balances technical accessibility with musical substance. These pieces work equally well for students preparing for recitals, competitions, or simply building a satisfying practice library.

How to get the most out of it

  • Pay close attention to the harmonic colors in "Stars and Wind" and "Summer's Nocturne." Rollin's voicings are deliberately rich, and letting them breathe without rushing through chord changes will reveal the emotional architecture.
  • In "Rockin' in New Orleans" and "Peanut Butter Rag," lock in the rhythmic groove early and trust it. These pieces demand secure timing but punish mechanical playing; find the swing before you polish the details.
  • Use the contrasting sections within each piece as opportunities to recolor your touch. "Forest Dawn" in particular benefits from a sensitive ear for dynamic subtlety across its changing moods.
  • Memorize at least one piece from this collection. Rollin's writing rewards the freedom that memorization brings, and students often discover phrasing nuances they miss when reading.

How to use it

Program these solos across a student recital to showcase stylistic range without overwhelming intermediate players. A single piece from this book makes an excellent opener or palate-cleanser between heavier classical works, and the collection's variety means you can program multiple Rollin pieces in the same concert with completely different characters.

Skills your students will build

  • Interpreting contemporary harmonic language and voice leading
  • Balancing rhythmic accuracy with expressive rubato in jazz-influenced styles
  • Pedal control for impressionistic harmonic effects
  • Performance stamina and confidence across contrasting musical moods
  • Stylistic awareness in Americana, ragtime, and impressionistic idioms

You May Also Like