The Magic of Music, Book 2: Piano Book

Name: The Magic of Music, Book 2: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-18111
Price: 5.95 USD
Availability: InStock

9 Imaginative Solos for Early Intermediate Pianists

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Early Intermediate

Item: 00-18111

$5.95

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The exciting pieces in these collections are designed to entertain, reinforce and enhance the important music and technical skills being studied during the early levels. Students will develop their own magical imaginations with the repertoire contained in this series.

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Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 24

ISBN10: 0-7390-0330-5

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-0330-5

UPC: 038081165677

SKU: 00-18111

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has built an unparalleled career as a composer of educational piano literature, with over 400 publications to his name since 1986. His work with Alfred Music Publishing established him as a defining voice in early-to-intermediate piano pedagogy, earning recognition across the globe for repertoire that genuinely engages young students while serving clear musical and technical goals.

Alexander's background spans decades of teaching experience at the University of Montana, where he directed the piano department and taught pedagogy for nearly a quarter century, followed by faculty positions at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge. A Kansas native trained at the University of Kansas, he has remained active as a recitalist, collaborative musician, and clinician at state and national conferences. His impact extends internationally through commissions from organizations and his touring appearances throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

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Why we love this

Alexander writes with genuine understanding of what early-intermediate pianists need to practice and what actually holds their attention. The pieces in this collection bridge technique and musicality without sacrificing either one, giving students material that feels purposeful to work on rather than like obligatory exercises. The book balances solid pedagogical content with genuine entertainment value, keeping young players engaged across a full practice session.

What to expect

Imaginative and playful, with melodies that stick with students long after they leave the piano. Each piece has distinct personality, ranging from whimsical to reflective, creating a mini-recital experience within the collection that keeps practice sessions engaging and musically varied.

Who it's for

Early-intermediate pianists (typically ages 8-12 or students in their second or third year of study) who are ready for material beyond simplified arrangements but still benefit from guided technique reinforcement. Teachers seeking repertoire that builds specific skills while maintaining student motivation will find this collection particularly useful.

How to get the most out of it

Honor the character markings and tempo indications; Alexander's titles and tempo choices guide the mood, and respecting them shapes the overall musical journey.
Balance technical passages with clear phrasing so students hear the shape of the piece beyond the mechanics they're learning.
Use dynamic contrast to bring personality to each piece; early-intermediate students often play at a single dynamic level, but these pieces benefit from expressive range.

How to use it

Use individual pieces as recital selections throughout the year, pairing them with more substantial repertoire at student performances. The collection's variety makes it ideal for studio recitals where students at similar levels perform back-to-back pieces with different moods and characters. Consider assigning pieces thematically alongside corresponding studies to reinforce specific technical concepts.