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As lessons continue this summer, you may find that your students are a little rusty after the stay-at-home orders for COVID-19. In my teaching, I have found that some students thrived with the extra time at home. These students practiced a lot and learned lots of music. Other students seemed to be somewhat down in spirit and lacking motivation.
Assigning a piece that boosts a student’s confidence will be essential this summer.
Pieces that keep the melody in the right hand while the left hand moves can be easy for students to learn. These pieces sound great too! Pieces with lots of patterns can be easy for students to learn also. These types of pieces can really boost confidence in students. Many students need this now. These are the kind of pieces that keep students from giving up and quitting lessons.
Here are some of my favorite pieces to boost a student’s confidence. You can also check out my favorite showstopper pieces (pieces with lots of patterns) here.
Elementary
Martha Mier – Clogging Dance (Book: Just Imagine!, Book 1)
This piece has a happy sound! It will surely lift your students’ spirits. The right hand stays in G position while the left hand happily jumps around.
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Just Imagine!, Book 1 Book 1. 7 Elementary Piano Solos That Encourage Expressive, Imaginative Playing. Composed by Martha Mier. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Book. 16 pages. Alfred Music #00-6684. Published by Alfred Music (AP.6684). |
Late Elementary
Crissy Ricker – Expedition to Everest (Book: Destination: Adventure! Book 1)
This entire book is one of my favorite books to use with students. Expedition to Everest has a pattern in a minor in the right hand and fifths that move in the left hand. It sounds impressive. I haven’t found one student yet who didn’t like the sound of it!
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Destination: Adventure! Book One Composed by Chrissy Ricker. Center Stage Solos Series. Collection. Neil A. Kjos Music Company #WP1165. Published by Neil A. Kjos Music Company (KJ.WP1165). |
Robert Vandall – Nimble Fingers (Book: Celebrated Virtuosic Solos, Book 1)
This is another good piece that keeps a pattern in the right hand with the left hand moving. This is a great piece for students who love to play fast!
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Celebrated Virtuosic Solos, Book 1 Book 1. Eight Exciting Solos for Late Elementary Pianists. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Alfred Celebrated Piano Series – Celebrated Virtuosic Solos. Collection. With standard notation, fingerings and introductory text (does not include words to the songs). 24 pages. Alfred Music #00-27810. Published by Alfred Music (AP.27810). |
This is a fun, happy piece that will surely lift your students’ spirits.
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Feelin’ Good! Composed by Robert D. Vandall. Piano Solo; Solo; Solo Small Ensembles. Signature Series. Sheet. 4 pages. Alfred Music #00-30582. Published by Alfred Music (AP.30582). |
This is one of my favorite student-savers! I don’t sweat all of the details either. The syncopation can be tricky for a struggling student. I teach that rhythm by ear and encourage them to listen to it. Whether it’s absolutely perfect or not, students love to play this piece!
Early Intermediate
Martha Mier – Just Struttin’ (Book: Jazz, Rags, & Blues, Book 1)
While this piece isn’t similar in style to the other pieces on this list, students do love it! It feels good to play. It is a happy piece. I used to think teaching jazz to students would be difficult. But this book is so well-composed that all of the rhythms seem to fall in place for students. Once students can play the intro and the A section, they can play the rest of the pice.
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Jazz, Rags & Blues, Book 1 Book 1. 10 original pieces for the late elementary to early intermediate pianist. Composed by Martha Mier. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Jazz, Rags & Blues. Jazz. Collection. With introductory text (does not include words to the songs). 23 pages. Alfred Music #00-6642. Published by Alfred Music (AP.6642). |
Alexander – Gypsy Fire! (Book: The Magic of Music, Book 2)
Both hands move in matching hand positions on this piece. If you label where each hand moves, this is an easy piece for students to learn. It’s a great piece for students who love to play fast also.
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The Magic of Music, Book 2 Book 2. 9 Imaginative Solos for Early Intermediate Pianists. Composed by Dennis Alexander. Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Book. 24 pages. Alfred Music #00-18111. Published by Alfred Music (AP.18111). |
David Carr Glover – The Great Cathedral (Book: David Carr Glover’s Favorite Solos, Book 2)
This is one of those pedagogical gems. I love this piece! The opening A section sounds so grand and impressive. These patterns can be taught by rote and learned easily.
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David Carr Glover’s Favorite Solos, Book 2 Book 2. 14 of His Original Piano Solos. Composed by David Carr Glover. Graded Standard Repertoire; Piano Collection; Piano Supplemental. Favorite Solos. Book. 32 pages. Alfred Music #00-34108. Published by Alfred Music (AP.34108). |
Click here to watch a video of these music recommendations.
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages. She enjoys creating resources for her students and teachers. She is the author of Ready for Theory®. For personalized help, check out the consultations page for teachers.
