Hello,

One of my eight-year-olds just played in a piano recital where he heard another student play one of Ginastera's Danzas. He was really excited by the rhythms in the music, and it occurred to me that someone here on the Forum might know of a piece with Spanish or South American rhythms on his level. He has been playing for three years and is playing various pieces by Kabalevsky, Gurlitt and the like--things with two independent hands, key signatures with more than one sharp or flat. He is not afraid of a challenge, but at this point I won't assign him anything more difficult than, let's say Tansman Pour les enfants volume 2. Any ideas?

Thanks,

N

Some of my kids have liked the Catherine Rollins Spanish pieces. Not as authentic as lots out there, but they are pretty accessible, and there are a few different levels.

Oh, disorganization, it's the bain of every artist. We had a wonderful presenter at the MTNA national conference in Austin a few years back who gave us a list of dozens and dozens of just what you're looking for, and do you think I can find it? Not a chance.

I'll keep looking and maybe it'll show up. I'll PM you as well as post if I can find it.

As memory serves, Ginastera did write a number of very easy early elementary pieces.

Thanks both for your leads! Looking forward to anything else you can send my way.

N

I like Espana by Catherine Rollin, but I find the stuff in Sounds of Spain hit or miss.

Villa-Lobos wrote a lot of easy music. A lot. Books.

Joaquin Rodrigo wrote some easy stuff.

Joaquin Turina's stuff is more difficult, but they are FUN! Clowns from Circus Suite is really cool. So is Zambra and Sacro-monte from Gypsy Dances.

I love threads like this that I can learn from too!