The Great Frontier!: Piano Book

Rollin captures genuine American musical vernacular without condescension, giving late elementary and early intermediate pianists access to authentic hoedowns, square dances, and prairie imagery that sound and feel complete. The collection balances rhythmic vitality with lyrical moments, making it rewarding for students who want to play music that sounds genuinely good rather than merely serviceable at their level.

Wide open spaces and forward motion define this collection. You'll find yourself galloping through energetic dances, settling into the quiet magic of starry prairie nights, and tapping into the restless, hopeful energy of pioneers moving westward. Rollin's orchestration for solo piano creates vivid scenes without requiring virtuosic technique.

Late elementary and early intermediate pianists ready for music that honors American musical traditions while developing expressive range and rhythmic independence. This collection works equally well for students preparing for recitals, festival competitions, or simply wanting to expand their understanding of what piano music at their level can express.

• Find the natural swing in the hoedown sections by thinking of the rhythmic pulse as dance music rather than metronomic counting; let the melody breathe and move.
• Pay attention to Rollin's dynamic markings as structural signposts; sudden shifts from soft to bold passages often signal changes in scenery or mood that shape how you color the sound.
• Balance melody and accompaniment by ensuring the left hand supports rather than competes; a lighter touch in broken chords lets the right hand story emerge clearly.
• Explore the character pieces individually before linking them in sequence; each evokes a distinct image, and committing to that imagery strengthens musical intention.

Program selections from this collection around Americana-themed concerts or community events celebrating American history and culture. Individual pieces work well as contrasting recital items alongside classical sonata movements or contemporary works, while the collection as a whole functions as a thematic suite for student showcases or studio recitals.

• Playing hoedown and square dance rhythms with appropriate swing and lift
• Contrasting lyrical legato playing with rhythmic articulation in the same piece
• Sustaining musical imagery across character pieces with distinct moods
• Balancing melody and accompaniment patterns in right and left hands
• Interpreting dynamic and tempo variations as expressive storytelling tools