Jennifer Linn brings three decades of teaching experience to every piece she writes. A pianist, composer, and arranger with degrees from the UMKC Conservatory of Music, she has created over 300 works for piano students published by major houses including Alfred, Hal Leonard, and G. Schirmer. Her work as Manager of Educational Piano at Hal Leonard gave her deep insight into what students actually need to grow as musicians.
Linn's influence extends far beyond her published catalog. She presents clinics and master classes across the United States, Canada, and India, and has taught at the university level alongside her private studio. Her contributions to music education earned her the 2013 UMKC Alumni of the Year award and the 2020 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
Why we love this
Linn knows exactly how to write a piece that energizes young pianists without overwhelming them. The narrative arc of Tiger Chase pulls students in from measure one, turning technique practice into storytelling that keeps their fingers engaged and their minds active throughout rehearsal.
What to expect
The piece captures the stalking and sudden sprint of a hunt in motion. Tension builds through repetition and gradually increases in tempo and urgency, then releases just as suddenly, making the drama feel both vivid and musically satisfying rather than chaotic.
Who it's for
Early intermediate pianists ready for pieces with character and narrative drive. This works well for students who benefit from engaging storylines as motivation, or those building confidence in moderately quick note sequences and dynamic contrasts.
How to get the most out of it
Shape the opening to establish the predator-prey dynamic immediately. The tracking motion needs clarity before the chase accelerates.
Maintain consistent tone during the repeated figures. Even though patterns repeat, each occurrence should sound alert, not mechanical.
Use the fullness of the keyboard spatially to enhance the sense of movement and escape.
How to use it
Include this in a spring or end-of-year recital where you want energetic, character-driven solos that appeal to audience members who might not gravitate toward purely classical works. It pairs well in a themed program exploring animals or nature in music.
Skills your students will build
Sustaining forward momentum through repeated rhythmic figures
Shaping dynamic contrasts to tell a musical story
Controlling hand position and finger independence at moderate tempos
Reading and interpreting character markings to inform performance choices
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
