Looking for easy solos and duets for students in your studio that do not celebrate Halloween? These options from Jennifer Eklund will strike all the right spooky notes, without the overt Halloween theme.
1. “Escape Hatch” (Primer Solo with Duet)
This is a great minor-key option for a beginner student with limited reading skills. It gives a “James Bond” vibe for minimal effort and paired with the teacher duet it gives a “big” sound.
Listen to “Escape Hatch”:
This piece is part of the Rising Starz songbook.
2. “Oh Snap!” (Solo for Late Beginners)
Its title gives you a hint about what’s included in this jazzy jaunt: finger snaps! This piece a minor-key blues and always fun at recitals when the audience invariably starts to “snap along” and what could go wrong with that, right? 😂
This piece is part of the Spotlight Solos: Volume 1 songbook.
3. “A Minor Mystery” (Evenly-Leveled Duet for Intermediates
This is actually the first duet I ever wrote and published! It has all my favorite things: a minor key, bossa nova rhythms, and a transfer of melody between the two players. It’s a blast to play and your students will love it!
If you’d like an easier version of this piece, check out this option:
4. “Shadow Walker” (Solo for Intermediates)
This will be a hit with your angsty teens. It’s a minor-key lyrical solo with an easy flow that sits under the hands nicely. It’s provides a great opportunity to work on rubato and lyrical phrasing.
Listen to “Shadow Walker”:
If you’d like an easier version of this piece, check out these options:
5. “Dark Waters” (Solo for Intermediates)
I wrote this piece in 2021 as a challenge to myself to get over my ire for writing and playing in key signatures with 4 sharps. I’m pretty pleased with the results! This piece is great for working on keeping a steady left hand.
BONUS: Minor Marvels, the ultimate “un-Halloween” songbook
To feed students’ cravings for playing in minor keys, Minor Marvels features twelve showcase-style piano solos, four solos with optional teacher duet parts, and two duets. These selections are ideal for late beginners through early intermediates and will gloomily gleam at a Halloween recital or whenever a minor mood strikes!
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