Selected and Reviewed by Andrew Eales
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My latest piano collection for Willis Music Company is a bumper anthology which builds on the success of the Graded Gillock series and Naoko Ikeda Graded Collection, and features 40 pieces written by composers from across the leading publisher’s best-selling catalogue.
This collection focuses on performance pieces, suitable for studio recitals, school concerts, and local music events. With that in mind, I have particularly sought out music which is both inspiring for the learner to play, and enjoyable for audiences.
The pieces appear in progressive order, Elementary to Late Intermediate, UK Grades 1-6. The full list appears below, and to give you a taste of the superb music in this bumper anthology, I have recorded a playlist of 15 out of the 40 pieces:
Winning Performance Pieces
Most teachers will agree that providing positive opportunities for learners to perform to others is important for their development.
I’ve long found it strange that so many pieces played at student recitals come only from the current exam syllabus, as if that’s the only music learners can perform. We should remember that exam pieces are selected for the syllabus because they are well-suited for an objective formal critique, rather than because they will necessarily impress in other contexts, and delight audiences.
In choosing pieces for this new bumper collection, I was less concerned about benchmarking progress, useful though that can be, and more interested in selecting music which players will enjoy, and which will help them shine in front of their audience:
- Pieces with catchy tunes that will immediately appeal to listeners (including those who aren’t musicians themselves).
- Pattern-based pieces that sound really impressive.
- Music which strongly conveys emotion, an imaginative image or mood that we can all equally relate to.
These pieces all come from the globally popular Willis Music catalogue, so the collection offers a celebration of some of the most significant voices in the modern age of pedagogic composition.
“As a teacher, I’m immediately drawn to the memorable and appealing pieces, which are rich in teaching value, that I’m sure will enable significant student progress. Their accessibility, with helpful patterns and repetitions, is a plus, and crucially they encourage students to find their own musical voice. The collection offers diverse expressive opportunities across genres like jazz, folk, ballads, and contemporary music.”
Karen Marshall (piano teacher and author)
I have selected some great pieces written by important pioneers such as John Thompson, Edna Mae Burnam, Lynn Freeman Olson, and William Gillock. Their music was often written specifically for performing live, and during my research I was frequently surprised by the quality and fun of their pieces. They certainly deserve a continuing place in recitals.
Alongside these greats, I have also selected popular pieces by some of today’s leading composers, who prove equally adept at writing great music which includes astute pedagogic intent.
As you explore the The Willis Student Recital Collection, you will be able to enjoy highlights from Glenda Austin, Naoko Ikeda, Melody Bober, Randall Hartsell, Eric Baumgartner, Carolyn Miller, Carolyn Setliff, and Jason Sifford.
“This book features 40 highly pedagogical pieces that work wonderfully as recital repertoire and, most importantly, students love them. What makes this publication special is the carefully curated selection of pieces by some of the most important contemporary composers in the Willis catalog.”
Juan Cabeza (pianist and teacher)
A Lasting Collection
The Willis Student Recital Collection is designed to travel with the pianist for a significant time in their piano journey, from their first performances as an Elementary player through to growing proficiency at Late Intermediate level.
To that end, the book is divided into three sections, suitable for different stages in the player’s development, and cross-referenced to the requirements of the international exam boards such as ABRSM to help teachers and players find complementary performance pieces appropriate to their current level.
- Elementary (Grades 1-2)
- Early Intermediate (Grades 3-4)
- Later Intermediate (Grades 5-6)
Each section includes its own introduction, containing tips about how to perform the pieces with accomplishment and panache. And because it is designed for longevity, the publication has a sturdy cover, great binding, and the music is presented on luxury cream paper.
“Another aspect I highly value is the organisation of the material into three levels of difficulty, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 6 (from elementary to early advanced level). Each section is accompanied by a short introduction that provides context for the pieces included and highlights their key pedagogical features for both teachers and students.”
Juan Cabeza (pianist and teacher)
With 40 pieces to dip into over several years of study, The Willis Student Recital Collection will undoubtedly prove a familiar and favourite source of fun throughout the player’s years of learning.
Established Recital Favourites
Many of these pieces will be completely new to UK musicians. The anthology provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the work of leading piano education composers whose music is so popular and well-tested elsewhere.
Those in the US, meanwhile, will notice that the anthology offers many of the “greatest hits” used in their teaching studios, and will I hope identify it as an invaluable collection for their students. And to that end, it is hoped that the US release of this collection will follow shortly.
“At 118 pages, The Willis Student Recital Collection is a substantial volume, and for a learner and pianist at the beginning of their musical journey, will provide a wealth of joy for many years to come… If you feel stuck in a rut, using the same pieces, the same anthologies, and the same collections, this book is the perfect thing to inspire you. Whether you’re a piano teacher or pianist, there is so much to be enjoyed here, time and time again.”
David Barton (teacher, composer, reviewer)
Here is the complete list of pieces:
ELEMENTARY LEVEL (Grades 1 – 2)
- Morning Dew (Carolyn Miller)
- Fantastic Fingers (Carolyn C. Setliff)
- A Whale in the Ocean Blue (Edna Mae Burnam)
- Jivin’ Around (Glenda Austin)
- Silent Shadows (Lynn Freeman Olson)
- Forest Dawn (John Thompson)
- Little Flower Girl of Paris (William Gillock)
- Johnny, Get Your Hair Cut! (Lynn Freeman Olson)
- Flying Fingers (Carolyn C. Setliff)
- The Goldfish Pool (Carolyn Miller)
- Steppin’ Out (Eric Baumgartner)
- Hayride Hoedown (Glenda Austin)
- Cloud Paintings (Lynn Freeman Olson)
- Star Dancers (William Gillock)
- Suspicious (Jason Sifford)
- The Singing Mermaid (Edna Mae Burnam)
EARLY-MID INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (Grades 3 – 4)
- Full of Grace (Carolyn C. Setliff)
- Fiesta Friday (Melody Bober)
- Carefree Swing (Carolyn Miller)
- Run and Hide (Jason Sifford)
- Raiders in the Night (Randall Hartsell)
- Spacetime (Jason Sifford)
- The Falcon’s Flight (Melody Bober)
- Etude Dramatique (Randall Hartsell)
- Goblin Dance (Eric Baumgartner)
- The Southern Cross (Naoko Ikeda)
- Blue Mood Waltz (Glenda Austin)
- Sunset in Madrid (Randall Hartsell)
- Fireside Thoughts (Edna Mae Burnam)
- The Chase (Melody Bober)
LATE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (Grades 5 – 6)
- The Juggler (John Thompson)
- New Orleans Nocturne (Eric Baumgartner)
- Lovely Señorita (Edna Mae Burnam)
- Disenchanted Etude (Randall Hartsell)
- The Glacial Mermaid (Naoko Ikeda)
- Scherzando in G major (John Thompson)
- Jazz Prelude (William Gillock)
- Shooting Stars in Summer (Naoko Ikeda)
- Bossa Rio (Eric Baumgartner)
- Valse Etude (William Gillock)
Those who already use the other piano collections I have edited will be pleased to notice that there are no overlaps: this unique selection consciously avoids duplication, and offers fresh, exciting pieces to enjoy alongside those in my previous publications.
“Mindful of costs, I highly recommend this Grades 1-6 book; its 40 excellent pieces are perfect for concerts and effectively re-engage students.”
Karen Marshall (piano teacher and author)
In compiling this album, I have had the privilege, and lots of fun, digging deep into the archives of the Willis Music Company catalogue, and trust that the wide range of music, styles, and characters presented here will prove truly inspiring to another generation of players.
I hope that The Willis Student Recital Collection will provide many years of enjoyment, that these pieces will enrich piano performance selections, and find their place in many a developing pianist’s active repertoire!
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