As I was playing around with the opening and closing chords, this gentle lilting rhythm appeared and reminded me of drops in the ocean. I think it just might be one of my favourite opening and closing passages, with each droplet adding to the vastness of the ocean.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
Fearne has a closeness to it, similar to confiding with a good friend. It has a very beautiful melody in the middle bit which mustn’t be rushed. Savour the hanging notes and enjoy the intimacy in the collection of notes that fall under your fingers.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
This piece is woven together with poems in musical form. They each offer moments of stillness, calm, playfulness and reflection. My favourite poem is found in the opening. The long, deep chords with melodic fragments to be played in your own time as you feel the music moves you.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
I started experimenting with layering two pianos together. The top part is an improvised melody that ends up sitting whimsically over the bottom part. I encourage you to find a friend (the top part isn’t too difficult I promise)! and a room with two pianos and enjoy playing Little Sunset together.
For two pianos - intermediate level
There is something nourishing and restorative about the winter months if we embrace them well. Then out of the season comes the rejuvenation of spring as the snow starts to melt and the sun hits in a new way. I’ve indicated that the notes need to sound ‘glittery’ in the final page which to me sound a little like melting winters.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
Sometimes words fall short and music has a significant role in expressing the stories we carry and journey with. My favourite chapter in this piece is from bars 21-67, it’s titled ‘affettuoso’. Closely knitted chords to be played with affection and tenderness.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
Famous as a rule-breaker, when Debussy (1862 - 1918) was asked what rules he followed when composing, his response was “Mon plaisir” / “My pleasure”.
This arrangement of Debussy’s Clair de lune has been inspired by the pleasure of improvising and creating new music for pleasure's sake. Improvising with Debussy’s melodic ideas, harmonies and structure, taking the themes we know and love and seeing where the fingers end up dancing in new and unchartered territory. Clair de Lune Recomposed is filled with exquisite new musical ideas while holding deep respect, nodding to the genius of Debussy’s original masterpiece.
For solo piano - advanced level
Ethel Street is a commissioned soundtrack by renowned New Zealand fashion designer Juliette Hogan for her presentation at New Zealand Fashion Week in 2019. I wanted to create a beautiful piece to reflect Juliette’s collection. Music imbued with movement, simplicity, depth & light to sit seamlessly alongside her Autumn Winter collection that drew from the felt experience of New Zealand’s wild, unique and beautiful natural world.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
Beethoven’s (1770 - 1827) 1st Movement of the Moonlight / Quasi Una Fantasia Sonata is no doubt one of his most recognisable works. Unlike other pieces in the Recomposed collection, the Recomposed Moonlight Sonata has been taken bar for bar, staying true to the original tempo and harmonic structure. Broken chords have been inverted, the left hand keeps a steady heartbeat in the opening phrases and the middle bit becomes even more hauntingly grave to name a few of the plot twists scattered throughout this recomposition.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
I was working on this piece when my young piano student came in for her lesson. I had a few ideas that were flowing so I didn't want to stop. I asked her to think of a title for this piece while I momentarily continued to compose. When I asked her what she thought the piece should be called, she said “London Tree”. And is still to this day one of my favourite titles.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
Inspired by Chopin’s (1810 - 1849) Prelude in E minor no.4. A prelude well loved and commonly used in film soundtracks. Of notable mention is the film - The Pianist (2002). This arrangement has been structured in the same way as the original but expanded almost doubling in length. The slower paced chords in the left hand hold the hauntingly delicate melodic line which echoes the original composition in a new and reimagined way. Solitude, tender expression and simplicity must be given utmost attention for this piece to land in the most felt and moving way.
For solo piano - later intermediate level
There are many chapters in this piece, perhaps a nod to all the places we find ourselves being at midnight throughout our lives. There are midnights that feel like bubbling anticipation and others that feel the weight of gravity. This piece is bookended with two sleepy lullabies that sound a little like the night sky on a calm evening to hopefully bring some calm in whatever season you find yourself in.
For solo piano - later intermediate level