Piano Solos, Book 3, revised edition, w/CD.(Book review)

Piano Solos, Book 3, revised edition, w/CD, by Barbara Kreader, Fred Kern, Phillip Kevern and Mona Rejino. Hal Leonard Corporation (www. musicdispatch.com; (800) 637-2852), 2007. 31 pp. $7.95.

This delightful collection contains 15 piano solos that are well suited to late-elementary students. These solos coordinate carefully with the Piano Lessons book in the Hal Leonard Student Piano Library.

The volume is a valuable pedagogical resource. The pieces are largely C-based and use few accidentals. The key signatures never exceed one sharp or flat. Playing is made easier because the hand positions do not change often. The pieces are short, generally two pages or less and are in simple AA or ABA form. The notes are easy to read since the print is large, clear and uncluttered. The collection contains a broad variety of styles ranging from pseudo-classical to pop. There is also a smorgasbord of different melodic materials including modes, whole tone scales, blues scales, as well as major and minor scales. There is a nice range of unusual harmonic progressions, chord structures and pianistic techniques. Most important, however, is that the students enjoy playing these fun and ingenious pieces.

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The included CD is outstanding; many of the tracks prominently feature percussion instruments such as the snare drum, ...