SKU: A0.1177231

This song works shockingly well for string quartet - and everyone gets something fun to play. I did this arrangement with 2nd year students in mind. The piece is really good for focusing on low 2's in the violin and viola, dotted quarter AND triplet rhythms for everyone, and rests on beat 1. The rhythms are almost always true to the original. There are usually three independent rhythmic parts going on, which presents a challenge and makes the layers of the piece fun and interesting. The piece also utilizes some percuissive techniques including stomping on the floor (sounds awesome on stage!) and knocking on the back of the instrument. This piece is a blast to play and I hope you enjoy it!

SKU: A0.1080129

This song works shockingly well for orchestra - and everyone gets something fun to play. I did this arrangement with 2nd year students in mind. The piece is really good for focusing on low 2's in the violin and viola, dotted quarter AND triplet rhythms for everyone, and rests on beat 1. The rhythms are almost always true to the original - listen to it with your students to help them feel the tricky spots. You need a strong bass laying down the harmonic foundation throughout for this to work, cello is not doubling. There are usually three independent rhythmic parts going on, which presents a fun challenge and makes the layers of the piece fun and interesting. The piece also utilizes some fun techniques including stomping on the floor (sounds awesome on stage!) and knocking on the back of the instrument. There is an optional cut to remove the bridge if the piece is too much/too long for your group. This piece is a blast to play and I hope your students enjoy it!

SKU: A0.918241

A modern, melodic original composition, suitable for students and advanced musicians alike.

Composer’s Note:

The Acheron is a river in Greece, but it also has a history in Greek myth. While it is known as a river of woe in connection with the mythical Greek underworld, it can have positive connotations when the underworld is reframed as a place for introspection, transformation, and rebirth.

For interested students or teachers, here are a few pedagogical notes:

This piece is intended to be performed without pedal, but in a legato style. It has an understated and modern quality that older high school and adult students may enjoy. This can be an opportunity for students to work on playing their eighth notes evenly, to strengthen their left hand by holding down the bass note, and to understand and correctly play hemiola. Only a single, initial dynamic marking is included in the text; this piece can be an exercise in looking at the overall structure and using one’s intuition to shape the phrases. There are a few places where fingering is indicated, but the fingering is mostly left up to the player, so that they can work with their teacher to problem-solve-especially if their hand size is small (like the composer’s).

About the Composer:

Emily Nafius is a pianist in Southern California with her musical roots in jazz. As a soloist or sideman, she has performed at numerous music venues around California in an eclectic mix of styles, and recorded with a variety of jazz musicians, singer-songwriters, and rock bands. Her work as an accompanist spans classical, jazz, and musical theatre, receiving praise for her theatre work as a pianist and ensemble leader. She has maintained a teaching studio for over fifteen years, instructing musicians of all ages.