Melody Bober brings two decades of public school teaching and advanced university study into every piece she writes. Her training spans performance at Minnesota State University, Moorhead and music education coursework at the University of Illinois, where she graduated summa cum laude. She studied under distinguished mentors including pianists Joel Shapiro and Andrew Froelich, jazz educator Tony Caramia, and music education specialist Mary Hoffman.
Beyond her private studio in Minnesota, Bober serves as a church pianist, accompanist, and former music director. Her reputation as both an innovative composer and dynamic clinician has made her a sought-after presenter at piano teacher conventions and workshops throughout North America. Her work consistently reflects her core mission: writing music that builds student confidence while deepening musical understanding.
Why we love this
Bober's writing captures the drama and energy of its title without veering into technical excess. In three pages, she gives students a complete arc to work with: introductory material that sets the scene, a musical narrative that develops naturally, and a satisfying ending they can execute with genuine musicality rather than struggle.
What to expect
Swift and purposeful. The piece captures the grace and power of a bird in motion, with soaring right-hand writing that alternates between decisive passages and moments of gliding calm. The energy feels intentional rather than frantic, giving students room to shape their interpretation while maintaining clear momentum.
Who it's for
Intermediate elementary and early intermediate students who have solid hand independence and can sustain a melodic line over moving accompaniment. This works equally well for students pursuing classical repertoire and those wanting accessible material that still offers real musical substance.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the opening phrases with subtle dynamic gradation to establish the falcon's presence before any real motion begins.
Balance the left hand figures so accompaniment stays transparent; the right hand melody needs room to soar.
Mark the tempo changes clearly in your practice to maintain forward momentum through sectional transitions.
Let the final passage breathe slightly to create the sense of the falcon climbing into distance rather than rushing to a finish.
How to use it
Pair this with other nature-inspired works for a spring recital, or use it as a bridge between technique-focused studies and more substantial repertoire in a student showcase. Its modest length and engaging character make it ideal for students preparing multiple pieces in a single session.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining lyrical phrasing over accompaniment figures
Coordinating hand independence in a moving musical context
Controlling tempo through sectional changes
Interpreting dynamic contrast at the intermediate level
Building confidence with three-page formal structures
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