Daniel McFarlane writes such fun music and he has been on quite the roll that I thought I would do a big Supersonics “Round Off”! Fun fact: Did you know there are over 100+ pieces on SupersonicsPiano.com?! 104 to be exact and counting!

First, if you like Castle Escape (which I know you do), you will enjoy his latest books, Land of the Middle Seas.

Land of the Middle Seas has two volumes. The pieces are geared to the early/elementary level staying in the middle C position. These pieces have a lot of technique teaching moments which are helpful when teachers are looking for more music to practice certain concepts. With titles like “Sir Prance A-lot, The Enchanted Climb, Pegasus Soars, The Joust, Dwarf Army, Lady of the Lake, The Phoenix Rises and much more; you know they are going to be enjoyable to play. Book 2 progresses from Book 1, more fun rhythms and techniques are added. Like all of Daniel’s compositions, they allow the students imagination to play a big role in their performance. In turn this motivates, inspires and encourages creativity.

Daniel offers both Book 1 and Book 2 as a MegaPack, which I would highly recommend getting. It is 20% right now. You can check it out here. Daniel does have plans to add backing tracks to this series as well as Castle Escape. I love his backing tracks, so I can’t wait!

This week is my fall break, but when students return shortly after I will be starting to pass out Christmas music to have them start learning so they are ready for Christmas camp and a Christmas performance that is the 2nd Saturday in December. (I always have them share a Christmas piece at Christmas camp regardless if they participate in the performance event). Daniel McFarlane has a fun unique set of Christmas pieces in his book, Christmas Crackers. And when I say unique, I mean  you will never hear anything like them!

Pieces like:

• Falalalalalala (Deck the Halls)
• Dashing Through the Snow (Jingle Bells)
• Ring the Bells (Jingle Bells)
• Not So Silent Night (Silent Night)
• Rebellion (Carol of the Bells)
• Jingle Jangle (Jingle Bells)

If you have students that really gravitate towards the fun and different, Christmas Crackers is for them! Christmas Crackers is geared towards Intermediate and Advanced students. They can be purchased separately, but I would recommend just getting the whole set here.

I can’t describe this piece any better than how Daniel describes it…

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA snort“

“That was the first review I received from a student when I played this piece for him (he laughed so hard that he snorted all over my piano…). This piece is fun, insanely catchy and just a little bit naughty! The surprising moments of silence (it’s up to you how you fill this silence evil laugh) keep the audience on the edge of their seats.”

Sneak Attack comes with an “evil twin” as Daniel likes to call it. It’s name is “Stealth Bomber”  and the backing tracks have built in “sounds” that some boys especially would enjoy playing. For all your other students, I would recommend playing Sneak Attack which is more tame and students can come up with some fun possibilities that don’t necessarily use bodily functions if you know what I mean.

Included in the Soundwaves Collection are 2 Suites: Lost and The Lake as well as a performance favorite, Monsoon. (Monsoon is also included in Flowing Fantasies 3)

A really fun suite, Lost is for late intermediate to advanced students. Included in this suite are 4 pieces that tell an exciting story. Lost, Round and Round, S.O.S. and The End. Every piece is full of excitement and imagery. I especially loved that in S.O.S. you can hear the morse code rhythm throughout. I just LOVE Daniel’s creativity! 

The Lake, a suite for intermediate students include 3 beautiful pieces. Mist, Reflections and Undercurrent.

While it’s not new, it is Halloween time, so I wanted to be sure to mention Daniel McFarlane’s All Hallow’s Eve book as well as his pieces Creepy Crawlies and Spooky. Perfect for this time of year!

Well that rounds it up for today! Be sure to check out all the new music over at Supersonics Piano!

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