Find a Moment of Calm is a collection of 12 piano solos suitable for pianists that are Grade 2 - 3 / Early Intermediate and above. 
 
Each piece has been carefully composed to promote piano technique, musicality and well-being.  The theme of the collection is one of finding calmness whether that is seeing a Sunrise Over the Mountain, Watching the World Go By, or simply by Taking Time to Smell the Flowers; each piece focuses on playing and hearing relaxing piano pieces that boost your mood as you progress on your musical journey.  

 
A Moment of Calm is peaceful, restorative and gentle,
 
The hands take it in turns to either play repetitive rhythmic quaver / eighth note motifs, contrasted with holding dotted minims / dotted half notes in order to symbolise taking time to pause while other things are going on.
 
Features: Repetitive rhythmic motifs, octave jumps, intervals of major 7ths
 
Focus: Rhythmic control, evenness of tone, spatial awareness

 
Sunrise Over the Mountain is mystical and full of wonder with an expansive feel.  
 
The hands crossing to cover three octaves, the ostinato style left hand, and the motivic right hand all help suggest the expansiveness of the scenery and the sun rising.
 
Features: Hand crossing, ostinato-style left hand, use of 4ths and 5ths
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting hands away from keys, to work on interval recognition and coordination

 
Finding Peace of Mind is peaceful, dreamlike and evokes an inner strength.  
 
The reflective melody of the right hand is accompanied by open fifths in the left hand with some sections placing the bass note followed by the 5th in order to help strengthen weaker fingers.
 
Features: 4-bar melodic phrases, finger swapping on repeated notes, open 5ths
 
Focus: To help expressive legato playing, strengthening left hand 5th fingers and to build confidence changing hand positions

 
Hope is full of joy and positivity with an air of optimism.  
 
The right hand riff-like motifs receive an extra note on each repetition, while the left hand crosses over the right as the chords are transposed between an octave and three octaves higher, to help build excitement and help develop spatial awareness.
 
Features: Riff-style motifs that evolve to the peak of the piece then unwind, hand crossing, intervals of 5ths and 6ths
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting left hand away from the keys, interval recognition and chord placement

 
Rays of Sunlight is peaceful and celebratory with a hypnotic quality.  
 
The right hand maintains an ostinato pattern while the left hand plays riff-like motifs with hand crossing over that mimic sparkles of light.
 
Features: Ostinato-style right hand, 4-note minimalist pattern spanning the interval of a 6th in left hand, hand crossing
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting both hands away from the keys and work on maintaining an even pulse

 
Reflecting Reflections is thoughtful, nostalgic and dreamlike. 
 
The notes flow from low to high to help develop spatial awareness with the left hand crossing over the right to suggest ripples and twinkles.
 
Features: Hand crossing, spread / arpeggiated chords, riff-like motifs
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting both hands away from the keys, recognising intervals, and to work on chord placement

 
Peace and Serenity is reflective, calming and peaceful. 
 
The right hand motif gradually builds creating a more complex rhythm and drive while the open fifths in the left hand require a two octave jump later in the piece to focus on spatial awareness.
 
Features: Rhythmic riff-like motifs in the right hand that evolve throughout, open 5ths in the left hand, hand crossing
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting left hand off the keys, work on rhythm and chord placement

 
Watching the World Go By is peaceful, wistful and contemplative.  
 
The hand crossing in chords of perfect 5ths, then separated out note by note, followed by a lyrical right hand melody accompanied by a held bass note with syncopated middle part in the left hand, add to the atmosphere of quiet observation.
 
Features: Hand crossing, syncopation, open fifths
 
Focus: To build confidence lifting hands away from keys, work on chord placement and strengthening left hand 5th finger

 
Picnic by the River is peaceful, lilting and atmospheric.  
 
The lyrical right hand explores the intervals of 5ths and 6ths, that perhaps convey the image of reaching out for items to consume, accompanied by an ostinato style left hand to mimic movement of the water.
 
Features: Ostinato-style left hand, intervals of 5ths and 6ths, playing melody an octave higher
 
Focus: To build confidence changing hand positions, work on interval recognition, explore legato playing

 
Quiet Contemplation is calm, thoughtful and has a dreamy feel.
 
The use of pedal sustains the left hand open fifth chords as they cross over from bass to treble clef while the right hand plays rhythmically repetitive motifs that keep the piece grounded.
 
Features: Hand crossing in the left hand, rhythmic repetition, intervals up to 7ths
 
Focus: Spatial awareness, intervallic recognition, rhythmic control

 
Taking Time to Smell the Flowers is spiritual, peaceful and contemplative.  
 
The thoughtful melody in the right hand explores stretches of 6ths and octaves, that perhaps convey the different heights of the flowers, while the left hand begins with triads that are then played note by note to suggest walking along.
 
Features: Chords and inversions, intervals up to an octave, use of pedal
 
Focus: To work on interval recognition, chord placement, legato playing

 
Winding Down is peaceful, meditative with a quiet sense of strength and determination.
 
The piece uses open fifths in both hands moving in similar motion throughout to create a feel of connection and calm.
 
Features: Open fifth chords, notes lasting up to 7 beats, similar motion movement
 
Focus: Chord placement, careful counting, pedalling with each chord
 
Total number of pages in book: 40
 
Listen to Find a Moment of Calm here