Angular Measures

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

ANGULAR MEASURES is four pianistic explorations of reverberant sound and rhythm designed to encourage physical freedom, expression and full tone across the entire keyboard. Often using opposing black and white keys between the hands, each piece has a unique mood and tempo allowing for dramatic and artistic flourishes. M.H. Duncan

QUADRANGLE (Level 6)

TRIANGLE (Level 7, RCM)

PENTANGLE (Level 8)

TANGLE (Level 9)

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Cloudburst - Piano Trio

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Trios

Levels: Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

The piano trio CLOUDBURST  (Levels 5 - 7)has a gentle sunny beginning that builds to a crescendo when the rain cloud bursts open. An equally divided intermediate trio with gently rolling 8ves in lower part. Great for three "piano" friends of mixed levels and abilities. M.H. Duncan

Cottage Days

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

COTTAGE DAYS is a collection of ten expressive summer soundscapes designed for the elementary and early intermediate pianist. The duet, THE DOG THAT WAS AND THE DOG THAT IS (Level 3-4)  was included in earlier versions of Cottage Days and is still available separately.

Level 1: SUMMER LIGHTNING

Level 2: MISTY MORNING

Level 3: CICADAS, FIRE CIRCLE

Level 4: ROWBOAT AT THE DOCK (RCM), CATTAILS

Level 5: WATER LILIES (RCM), SANDCASTLES, AUGUST MOON

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan,.com

Hollyhocks - Piano Duet

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Duets

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

Level 8-9: Inspired by Spencer Hope's pencil drawing of hollyhocks growing in the historic city of Kingston, Ontario, these “over the top” garden blooms are bold and brash with their large colourful flowers and sturdy stalks. Written for two former piano students Emily and Kaleigh, who,  like these "forever" flowers,  will remain "forever" friends. Designed to highlight each player equally, so don't be shy...M.H. Duncan

If Dogs Could Talk

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Early Elementary/Beginner/Prep A/B, Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4)

13 playful piano pieces designed to develop rhythmic and reading skills for eager beginners up to Level 2. They are short but are filled with expressive details, two handed dialogue and contrasting legato and staccato touches to help bring each musical story to life. M.H. Duncan

Beginner/Prep: SLEEPY HEAD (RCM), RUMBLE TUMBLE, THIS AND THAT

Level 1: AFRICAN KITTY, IF DOGS COULD TALK, TWINS, SUNNIER DAYS, LITTLE BIRD, MOONLIGHT

Level 2: I WANT TO FLY, PARTY PLANS, WHY?, FLYING HORSES, TALKING FISH

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Isla Vista Suite

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

ISLA VISTA SUITE was written after an extended stay  in the colorful and lively community of Isla Vista, California. This area is also home to one of the largest over-wintering sites for the monarch butterfly, tall eucalyptus groves and tidepools along the ocean shore. We also experienced the Santa Ana winds, along with the threat of fires in the area. M.H. Duncan

THE EUCALYPTUS GROVE (RCM Level 7)

TIDEPOOLS: (RCM Level 9)

MONARCHS, (RCM Level 9)

SANTA ANA WINDS (RCM Level 9)

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Limestone Etchings

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

LIMESTONE ETCHINGS is a collection of piano works  paired with original pencil drawings by artist Spencer Hope. This musical and visual collaboration honors the picturesque and historic city of Kingston, Ontario. M.H. Duncan

THE WAR MEMORIAL (RCM Level 8)

KINGSTON MILLS LOCKS (RCM Level 9)

ON THE POND (Level 9)

AT CITY HALL (Level 9)

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

O Canada - C. Lavalée, arr. for Piano Solo by M.H. Duncan

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Anthem - O Canada

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

Level 8-9: Since Canada welcomed me as an immigrant so many years ago, I wanted my version of its anthem to include varied stylistic moods, rhythms and harmonic colour as well. My favourite and the most challenging section is the climactic chordal bell ringing with grand movements across the keyboard in both hands. I also love the occasional touch of "gospel" articulation in the cadences as well as the quartal descending chords. Enjoy! M. H. Duncan

Precipitations

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

Seven highly contrasted “weather-related” soundscapes that make for exciting late intermediate to advanced recital repertoire.

Level 7: DRIZZLE, FIRST SNOW, SUNDOG (RCM)

Level 8: SUNSHOWER (RCM), DRYSPELL,  HAIL

Level 9: RACING THE STORM (RCM Level 9)

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Rainy Days

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books

Levels: Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

Rainy Days is the companion collection to Cottage Days and is full of indoor activities for the rainiest of days. M.H. Duncan

Level 1: PILLOW FIGHT
Level 2: 52 PICKUP, MONKEYS ON THE BED
Level 3: ROCK PAPER SCISSORS, PAPER DOLLS                                                                                   Level 4: PAPER AIRPLANES, CRAZY 8s, 1 MISSISSIPPI, 2 MISSISSIPPI
Level 5: CANASTA, DEAR DIARY, IN THE MIRROR

Individual E-Pieces available at https://marthahillduncan.com

Sailing on the Solar Wind from The Pianist's Guide to the Universe

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books

Levels: Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

In this whimsical marriage of astronomy and music, my husband, astrophysicist, Dr. Martin Duncan and I have combined our talents to celebrate the beauty of the night sky and the magic of music. SAILING ON THE SOLAR WIND focuses on our own solar system. M.H. Duncan

Level 3: THE RED ONE, ASTEROID 6115, LUCY AND THE TROJANS

Level 4: SUNSPOTS, THE SOLAR WIND, THE RED ONE, SATURN'S RINGS

Level 5: ATMOSPHERE, ARROKOTH THE SNOWMAN

Level 6: PLUTO AND CHARON

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Snowdrifts for 1 Piano, 4 Hands

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Duets

Levels: Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4)

SNOWDRIFTS is an elementary duet written for two of my former piano students, Madeleine and Sofia.  The second (the older sister's part) is at a Level 3-4, while the primo (the younger sister's part) is within stationary 5 finger positions and can be read or taught by rote.

M.H.Duncan

Spirals in the Sky from The Pianist's Guide to the Universe

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books

Levels: Advanced/Diploma (Grade 10, ARCT and up), Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

In this whimsical marriage of astronomy and music, my husband,  astrophysicist, Dr. Martin Duncan and I have combined our talents to celebrate the beauty of the night sky and the magic of music. Vol. 4, Spirals in the Sky, for advanced piano, celebrates the beauty and majesty of the trillions of galaxies that illuminate the structure of the visible universe. Four advanced (Levels 9/10) titles include The Local Group, Redshift, Quasar and Starburst Galaxy.

M.H. Duncan

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Stories of Stars from The Pianist's Guide to the Universe

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books

Levels: Early Elementary/Beginner/Prep A/B, Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

In this whimsical marriage of astronomy and music, my husband, astrophysicist, Dr. Martin Duncan and I have combined our talents to celebrate the beauty of the night sky and the magic of music.
Vol. 1, Stories of Stars, for elementary to intermediate piano, deals with the birth and death of stars in our galaxy.

M.H. Duncan

Prep The Big Dipper
Level 1 Interstellar Dust
Level 2 Stellar Nursery, The Main Sequence
Level 3 The Milky Way, Polaris, Lagoon Nebula
Level 4 Red Giant
Level 5 Blue Straggler, Supernova

The Dog That Was and The Dog That Is

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Duets

Levels: Elementary/Early Intermediate (Gr 1-4), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

Levels 3 - 5:  This bittersweet “tail” of two dogs played out in a setting for one piano, four hands. My thanks to the limericks of Scott & Alison Bagg, frequent cottagers and former piano students of mine. M.H. Duncan

The Lion's Tale

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, Pre-staff

Levels: Early Elementary/Beginner/Prep A/B

Designed for the early reader, with a "read or rote" approach,  these piano solos explore more contemporary sounds and colors.

THE SPARROW's SONG, PLIP, PLOP,  HOW HIGH CAN YOU GO?,  TINY DRUM A SLEEPY WALTZ,  THE CLOWN CAR, THE COOKIE JAR, HAMSTERS ON THE MOVE, KNOCK, KNOCK,  TREASURE HUNT, PORCUPINE POLKA, ICE TIME, ECHOES AT SUNSET, THE LION'S TALE, MAGIC MIRROR, THE BIG DIPPER

Individual E-Pieces available at https://marthahillduncan.com

The Old Stone Church

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Duets

Levels: Advanced/Diploma (Grade 10, ARCT and up)

Level 9-10: Inspired by a pencil drawing  by Spencer Hope of the historic St. Paul's Anglican Church in Kingston, Ontario, this duet brings together the sombre, hopeful and joyful memories with bells, singing and community. My mother, Blanche Owen, grew up in East Texas surrounded by "old time religion" and music...her indomitable spirit and love of singing is honored in the middle song section. M.H. Duncan 

The Sunken Garden

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: NFMC Bulletin (US), Piano Collections/Books, RCM Syllabus (CA)

Levels: Advanced/Diploma (Grade 10, ARCT and up)

Inspired by the Sunken Gardens and Theater in San Antonio, Texas, these three pieces have exciting cross-overs and cover the entire keyboard  with an improvisatory and contemporary sound palette.

THE JAPANESE TEA GARDEN (RCM Level 10) is beautifully serene, set amidst limestone and water. Rising paths and steps wind from the bottom floor to the top edge.

THE RIVER (RCM Level 10) represents the timeless flow and the impact on the land by "the river" and is more improvisatory, as if the player is making it up as they go.

THE THEATER (RCM Level 10) The warm nostalgia and Hispanic flavour of my Texas heritage are embodied in this final piece of the set. M.H. Duncan

RCM: The Royal Conservatory of Music

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com

Where the Aspens Grow - Piano Duo

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Duo (2 Pianos, 4 Hands)

Levels: Advanced/Diploma (Grade 10, ARCT and up), Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9)

WHERE THE ASPENS GROW (Levels 9/10): My first experience in the mountains was the year I got married. My husband and I were lucky enough to "honeymoon" in Aspen, Colorado as part of a summer institute. I was entranced by the majesty of the snow-covered peaks, the delicacy of the alpine meadows and the amazing colours of the aspen groves. In 2017 I was invited to join the faculty of the Festival for Creative Pianists in Denver, Colorado. Through that wonderful festival, I have met so many talented composers and musicians. In particular, I met local piano teacher, Linda King, who encouraged me to compose a two-piano work.

M.H. Duncan, 2021
Cover image from © Tales by Trees

Zarzamora Suite

Martha Hill Duncan

Categories: Piano Collections/Books

Levels: Advanced/Diploma (Grade 10, ARCT and up), Early Advanced/Advanced (Gr 8 - 9), Intermediate/Late Intermediate (Gr 5-7)

ZARZAMORA SUITE is loosely based on five Spanish street names that figured prominently in my life as a child and young adult in Austin and San Antonio, Texas. M.H. Duncan

Level 6: MARIPOSA

Level 9: ZARZAMORA,  DOLOROSA

Level 10: BRAZOS, GUADALUPE

Individual E-Pieces available at http://marthahillduncan.com