My recital theme this year was music from around the world. I’ve used this theme in the past and it’s one of my favorites because my students and I always have so much fun exploring the sounds and music that represent other cultures.
I came across some really great collections of international-themed music while preparing for our recital. And, my students ended up playing some really neat pieces that nicely displayed their progress and highlighted the unique sounds and qualities of music from other cultures.
Here are our favorite collections of piano solos that we used to prepare for this years recital.
Musical Snapshots by Martha Mier
Click here to find Musical Snapshots Books 1, 2, & 3 on Amazon.
There are 3 volumes of Musical Snapshots by Martha Mier and they are all full of wonderful compositions in a variety of different styles. We mostly used Books 1 & 2, but all 3 books have wonderful pieces that my students loved learning.
The Mexican Salsa Cha-Cha from Book 1 was a perfect fit for one of my 2nd grade students who is a really strong practicer.
Cherry Blossoms in Osaka from Book 2 was a huge hit with one of my 6th grade students who is fascinated with Japanese culture. She really nailed the gentle, legato technique.
Destination Adventure by Chrissy Ricker
Click here to find Destination Adventure Books 1, 2, & 3 on Amazon.
We used Destination Adventure Book 1 by Chrissy Ricker and it’s great to have a collection of music that is so accessible to later beginners, but also sounds exciting and interesting.
One of my students played Blackbeard’s Shanty and loved the driving rhythm along with the catchy melody.
Books 2 and 3 also have some great international solos that didn’t make it into our recital, but we’re excited to check out.
Pictures in Sound by Elvina Pearce
Click here to find this book on Amazon.
Pictures in Sound by Elvina Pearce has so many lovely pieces. Many of them are very simple and could be taught by rote. But they are all really beautiful and engaging.
One of my students played Hawaiian Breeze and learned it so fast. She was able to give each arpeggiated phrase a beautiful shape and it sounded so mature.
Two on Tour Book 2 by Helen C. Pace
We have a lot of friends to come to their piano lessons together, so I always love finding great duets to offer them. Two on Tour, Book 2 by Helen C. Pace had some really great options for 2 sets of my duet partners.
One set played Celebration at Canterbury and the other played Minuet at Williamsburg. The duets are just 1 page long, but full of interesting rhythms and voicings between the 2 parts.
Dancing with the World by Wynn-Anne Rossi
Click here to find these books on Amazon.
Dancing with the World by Wynn-Anne Rossi is a 4-book set that really packs in the exotic sounds and rhythms. We loved exploring these books because they included music a lot of less-common countries like Tanzania and Romania.
One of my students played Story of the Khon representing Thailand and loved the dramatic and unconventional sounds in it.
A Musical Collage by Emilie Lin
Click here to find these books on Amazon.
A Musical Collage by Emilie Lin is a 2-book series that is full of interesting piano solos that are artistically written and help students practice technical skills.
Tango With Me was a fun option for one of my students who caught on really quickly to the descending bass line pattern in the left hand.
Sounds of Spain by Catherine Rollin
Click here to find these books on Amazon.
I’ve taught from the Sounds of Spain series by Catherine Rollin many times over the years and I always enjoy revisiting these pieces. It includes 4 leveled books that range from early to late intermediate. Exploring the music of Spain presents so many rich harmonies and fun rhythms for students to learn. The variety of levels available means that so many of my students can experience the unique Spanish sounds.
One of my students played this Spanish Dance and really enjoyed playing it at tempo vivo!
A World of Sights and Sounds by Jeanne Costello
Click her to find this book on Amazon.
I don’t think I’ve taught music by Jeanne Costello before, but we really loved her book, A World of Sights and Sounds! The compositions in this book are so beautiful and my students who chose pieces from it loved how expressive the music was.
One of my students played Leaping Lemurs of Madagascar and another played Birdwatching in the Amazon. Both pieces are so lovely and both pieces brought out the fullest potential of my students!