Back-to-School Solos for All Levels

Back-to-school time is around the corner! Have you decided what repertoire you’ll learn this fall semester? Check out our suggestions for beginner, intermediate, and advanced solos. 

Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp.

*Petite Berceuse

edited by Kimberly Rowe

This piece by Alphonse Hasselmans is one of my go-to favorites for advanced-beginner students. Edited by Kimberly Rowe, it is easy to read and gives students the opportunity to work on dynamic changes like hairpins.

*Golden Slumbers

arr. Tamsin Dearnley

Also known as “Cradle Song,” this traditional lullaby arranged by Tamsin Dearnley is absolutely gorgeous on the harp. I believe the simple one-note harmonies will feel very fulfilling to play as a beginning student.

*Mozart Melodies

by Lucy Bunce

It’s never too early to start learning some “classic” classical melodies. This three-movement medley by Lucy Bunce includes snippets of three beloved works by Mozart: “Papageno’s Song” from The Magic Flute, movement II from Flute and Harp Concerto, and movement III from Horn Concerto. Each section can be played as a separate piece or all sections can be played together as a suite. It would be a great option for student recitals.

*Kathleen’s Jig

by Stephanie Bennett

Stephanie Bennett’s original jig is a lot of fun to play! It is very joyous, making it something a student will want to practice, and it would make an excellent recital piece.

*Soaring Strings

by Kathryn Cater

I have personally used this collection many times with my own students. It’s geared to younger ages with its illustrations and bird theme, but the compositions are really satisfying to play at any age. My students have enjoyed working on “Black Bird Boogie,” “Little Red Hen,” “Crows in the Corn,” and the stunning melodic solo  “Seagull.”

*Clair de Lune (Excerpt)

arr. Sunita Staneslow

In my experience, students are always eager to learn this piece no matter their level. Sunita Staneslow’s excerpt of Debussy’s masterpiece includes all the highlights and makes this piece accessible to the intermediate lever harpist. 

*The Blue Danube

arr. Helga Harper

Strauss’ The Blue Danube is always a hit with students—and audience members! Helga Harper’s arrangement is perfect for students to learn just for fun or for a recital.

*Beltane Dance/Maitanz

by Monika Stadler

An original tune set by Monika Stadler, these melodies are really exciting, powerful, and fun to play. They meld seamlessly together and you can’t wait for what’s coming next. 

*Cercle Circassien: La Tarentelle

arr. Stephanie Claussen

I adore this traditional Italian tune and this arrangement by Stephanie Claussen is the first I’ve seen! It has a very intoxicating feel to it as the melody keeps spinning and spinning. I think it would make an exciting student recital piece.

Passacaille

arr. Elizabeth Volpé Bligh

I had to include this piece by Handel on the list because it was my absolute favorite recital solo to work on when I put together my high school senior recital. As with pretty much any work by Handel, it’s stately, upbeat, and never loses energy the whole way through.

Impromptu Caprice

edited by Rachel Green

Always a classic, this beloved harp solo by Gabriel Pierné is a staple in the harp repertoire canon. If you haven’t already learned it, I highly recommend you add it to your list to learn this year. Rachel Green’s edits includes two versions—one with circled enharmonic notes and one where the enharmonic notes have been written out as they are played.

Skye Boat Song

arr. Carolyn Mills

Everyone knows this lovely Scottish tune, but I doubt you’ve heard it like this. Carolyn Mills’ arrangement is simply exquisite! 

Nocturne

edited by Elzbieta Szmyt

Another classic in the harp canon, you can’t go wrong with learning Glinka’s Nocturne this year. Elzbieta Szmyt’s edition offers pedal markings, fingering, and placing.

Air

by Alyssa Reit

New to Harp Column Music, I fell in love with this original work by Alyssa Reit the first time I heard it. It is truly beautiful. I love its rhythmic phrases and the space it offers for expression. 

*Niagara Moon

by Alfredo Rolando Ortiz

If you’re looking for a show-stopping solo to learn this semester, this is the one for you. In classic Alfredo Rolando Ortiz fashion, this original piece features sparkling flourishes, exciting Latin American rhythms, and flashy glissandos, of course.