Piano lessons during this year of COVID have been challenging. I miss the warmth of in-person lessons. I miss being able to correct a hand position with just a touch. I miss being able to encourage a crescendo with just a gesture. I miss the spontaneous levity that happens more easily when we meet in person.

Given the challenges of online lessons, I have–this year more than ever–worked hard to find lots of pieces that will be quick wins for my students. For a piece to be a quick win, I look for these characteristics:

• The student has to like the piece.
• It must not have any huge challenges, but it can’t be so easy it’s effortless.
• It needs to be fairly short.
• It must be pedagogically sound.
• It’s a big plus if it sounds harder than it is.

Recently, I’ve composed two new pieces that have been quick wins for many of my students over the past few months. I hope you’ll give them a try.

• Reverie: Intermediate Piano Solo
• Dreaming: Elementary Piano Solo

What are some of the pieces you’ve found to be quick wins with your students?