Hal Leonard is now showcasing composers in the new email Hal Leonard Mainstage Newsletter. In this first issue, Carol Klose talks of watching Liberace as a child and and how she crafts music to connect with her audience.
One of Carol’s most recent publications is Garden Treasures. What I appreciate most about the music in this book is the fresh and unpredictable sound of each of these pieces. There is quite a bit of intermediate music on the market these days and unfortunately, many of the pieces sound formulaic in the way that they approach harmony, melody, and form. However, Carol’s pieces are exquisitely unique, warm, and approachable for all intermediate students. Several of the pieces in this collection are also effective preparation for the music of French composers.
In the Mainstage Newsletter, Carol also talks about her new duet, At the Flea Circus. You can listen to and view this fun Level 3 duet with the Hal Leonard Closer Look feature.
In my studio, the two most popular pieces of Carol’s are Winter Wind and Banjo Picker. The Winter Wind (Piano Solos Book 3) is so dramatic, most of my pre-teen and teenage students love it. The Banjo Picker (Piano Solos Book 3) is as you might expect…just plain fun! Though it might appear difficult at first, students find it very simple after they learn the easy primary chord patterns that appear throughout the piece. It’s a great audience pleaser and sounds more difficult than it is. The orchestration for both of these pieces is excellent and will give added inspiration to the student.
Visit this page to see all of Carol Klose’s music showcased. If you did not receive this email and would like to, please join the HL Yahoo discussion forum or contact Hal Leonard to be included (1.800.322.1127).
