Secrets in the Shadows, Solo
$12.00
Secrets in the Shadow kicks off with energetic open 5ths that chatter back and forth between the hands, like rumors spreading through a hidden corridor of an ancient cathedral. With clashing harmonies and a syncopated melody that feels slightly “off the beat,” this early intermediate–to–intermediate solo builds tension and sparkle — ideal for players who enjoy rhythmic excitement and musical storytelling.
Key Info
• Key: A Natural Minor (with occasional accidentals)
• Time signature: 4/4
• Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate
• How long: Cover + 3 pages (Performance time ~1:30)
Wondering what it sounds like?
Teaching Focus
• Steady eighth-note patterns between hands that reinforce even rhythm
• Right-hand syncopated melody — great for notice-the-beat articulation
• Left-hand steady quarter-note support with occasional octaves
• Recognizing melodic and rhythmic patterns across the keyboard
This purchase includes a Studio License, allowing you to use it with all students in your private studio. Thank you for honoring the composer’s work by not sharing files outside your studio.
Part of the Castle Tales, Vol. 3: Cathedrals collection — a suite of evocative piano solos inspired by cathedral soundscapes and imagined medieval narratives, designed to deepen expression and technical confidence at the early intermediate to intermediate level.
Secrets in the Shadow kicks off with energetic open 5ths that chatter back and forth between the hands, like rumors spreading through a hidden corridor of an ancient cathedral. With clashing harmonies and a syncopated melody that feels slightly “off the beat,” this early intermediate–to–intermediate solo builds tension and sparkle — ideal for players who enjoy rhythmic excitement and musical storytelling.
Key Info
• Key: A Natural Minor (with occasional accidentals)
• Time signature: 4/4
• Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate
• How long: Cover + 3 pages (Performance time ~1:30)
Wondering what it sounds like?
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Castle Tales, Vol. 3 Collection
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Key Info
• Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate (RCM 3–4 equivalent)
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[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Castle-tales-3-all-songs.mp3"][/audio] Castle Tales, Vol. 3 Collection
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This collection includes the following solos: Secrets in the Shadows, Stone Eyes-Watching Me, Angels Around Us, Space to Breathe, Dreams in Ruins, and Celebration Day
Key Info
• Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate (RCM 3–4 equivalent)
• How long: 25 pages total (18 pages music + covers)
Wondering what it sounds like?
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This piece is one of the six exciting pieces from the original Castle Tales collection series. Now with 5 volumes, offered in various levels - these pieces are student favorites.
Key: D Dorian with touches of D natural minor
Time Signature: 4/4
Teaching Focus: Expressive melody, modal harmony, dramatic contrast
Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate
Length: Cover + 3 pages | Performance time: 2:45
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Defender-of-the-Realm-by-SSB-Music.mp3"][/audio] Defender of the Realm, Solo
Defender of the Realm is a dramatic, story-driven piano solo that evokes the feeling of standing watch over a medieval kingdom. With a haunting melody, shifting moods, and bold sonorities, this piece invites students to explore expressive playing while building confidence and control.
This piece is one of the six exciting pieces from the original Castle Tales collection series. Now with 5 volumes, offered in various levels - these pieces are student favorites.
Key: D Dorian with touches of D natural minor
Time Signature: 4/4
Teaching Focus: Expressive melody, modal harmony, dramatic contrast
Level: Early Intermediate – Intermediate
Length: Cover + 3 pages | Performance time: 2:45
Wondering what it sounds like?
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Key Info
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• How long: 28 pages.
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[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Castle-Tales-1-all-songs-2726-11.59-AM.mp3"][/audio] Castle Tales, Vol. 1 Collection
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Key Info
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Wondering what it sounds like?
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Time Signature: 4/4
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Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
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Secrets in the Night invites students into a mysterious corner of the castle after dark, where shadows whisper and melodies hint at hidden adventure. With an imaginative Medieval-inspired sound world and an easy Middle C position layout, this solo is highly accessible for elementary players while still sounding bold, dramatic, and full of character. Its memorable tune and storytelling quality make it a motivational choice for lessons, recitals, and festivals.
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Time Signature: 4/4
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Length: Cover + 4 music pages | Performance time: ~1:00
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
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