The Magic of Music, Book 3: Piano Book

Name: The Magic of Music, Book 3: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-18112
Price: 6.95 USD
Availability: InStock

7 Imaginative Solos for Intermediate to Late Intermediate Pianists

By Dennis Alexander

Level: Intermediate / Late Intermediate

Item: 00-18112

$6.95

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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: 0-7390-0681-9

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-0681-8

UPC: 038081165684

SKU: 00-18112

More about this title

About the Composer: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has built an extraordinary career as one of the world's most widely published composers of educational piano repertoire. Since 1986, his partnership with Alfred Music Publishing has produced over 400 compositions and recordings that span all instructional levels, establishing him as an internationally recognized voice in piano pedagogy. He held the position of piano department chair at the University of Montana for nearly a quarter century, where he taught applied piano, class piano, and piano pedagogy before relocating to California to continue teaching at Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Northridge.

Beyond the studio and classroom, Alexander maintains an active schedule as a performer, clinician, and adjudicator. He made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987 and has served as a collaborative artist for soloists and chamber ensembles across the globe. His work has been commissioned by state and national organizations, and he remains a sought-after presenter at music teachers conventions. Currently based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he continues to compose and tour while shaping the landscape of piano education through his prolific and thoughtful writing.

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Why we love this

Alexander writes intermediate piano repertoire that genuinely engages students without sacrificing musical substance. Each piece in this collection rewards careful practice with satisfying technical challenges and vivid character, encouraging students to invest in their own interpretations rather than simply playing through pages.

What to expect

These pieces invite students to inhabit imaginative worlds through sound. The collection blends playful moments with more introspective passages, encouraging pianists to discover that technique and expression are inseparable at any level.

Who it's for

Late intermediate pianists ready to tackle pieces with genuine musical character and moderate technical demands. Students at this level benefit from Alexander's gift for making technical growth feel purposeful rather than mechanical, and teachers will appreciate repertoire that bridges technique and artistry without overwhelming developing players.

How to get the most out of it

Listen for the distinctive voice in each piece and experiment with color at the keyboard. Alexander's titles often hint at the mood; let that shape your touch, pedaling, and phrasing.
Pay close attention to dynamic contrasts. Many pieces in this collection rely on subtle shifts in volume to create narrative interest, so mark your dynamics clearly and respect them in rehearsal.
Balance technical passages with musical storytelling. When running passages or rhythmic figures appear, keep them anchored to the harmonic movement rather than treating them as mere finger work.
Use the 24-page format strategically. These pieces work well as recital solos or as part of a longer program; their moderate length makes programming flexible without sacrificing substance.

How to use it

Program individual pieces across a recital to showcase different moods and technical facets of a student's development. The variety within the collection makes it ideal for building a well-rounded student recital that demonstrates growth in both skills and interpretive maturity.