



The Battle Begins, Solo
$10.00
The Battle Begins sets the stage for a dramatic medieval adventure with a strong, bold melody that demands expressive tone and phrasing. After a stately opening in C minor, the contrasting B section invites the left hand to cross over for a lyrical moment before the A section returns — bringing the tale full circle and leaving players wondering “What’s next?”. With its rich narrative feel and thoughtful contrasts, this piece is perfect for helping students develop stylistic expression and control while telling a musical story.
This solo is part of the Castle Tales Vol. 2 collection — a set of seven contrasting pieces inspired by stories of Medieval life and designed to help late elementary to early intermediate pianists explore musical expression through engaging, character-driven repertoire.
Key: C minor (with all accidentals written in for easy teaching)
Time Signature: 4/4 (stately march feel)
Teaching Focus: Epic melody shaping, expressive tone, left-hand movement through Cm, B♭, A♭ chords, left-hand crossover melody
Level: Late Elementary
Length: Cover + 2 pages music | Performance time: ~1:40
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
This purchase includes a Studio License, allowing use with students in your private studio. Thank you for honoring the composer’s work by not sharing files outside your studio.
Want more solos students love? Explore other narrative and expressive solos in the Castle Tales Vol. 2 collection — ideal for building musical storytelling and stylistic nuance.
The Battle Begins sets the stage for a dramatic medieval adventure with a strong, bold melody that demands expressive tone and phrasing. After a stately opening in C minor, the contrasting B section invites the left hand to cross over for a lyrical moment before the A section returns — bringing the tale full circle and leaving players wondering “What’s next?”. With its rich narrative feel and thoughtful contrasts, this piece is perfect for helping students develop stylistic expression and control while telling a musical story.
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
You may also like…
Black Knight’s Ride, Solo
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Black-Knights-Ride-1.mp3"][/audio]Black Knight’s Ride, Solo
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Black-Knights-Ride-1.mp3"][/audio]For the King! Solo
For the King! delivers dramatic flair and rhythmic excitement as students imagine themselves rallying troops and honoring royalty on the march. This piece features syncopated right-hand figures against a strong left-hand beat, crisp staccato quarter notes, and contrasting dynamics that give it theatrical energy. Repetitive cross-over hand patterns and easy-to-use pedal markings help players develop stylistic confidence while learning expressive shading. With gradual hand/finger placement movements and an octave-lower section that adds depth, this piece makes a recital standout that students love to perform.
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/For-the-King.mp3"][/audio]For the King! Solo
For the King! delivers dramatic flair and rhythmic excitement as students imagine themselves rallying troops and honoring royalty on the march. This piece features syncopated right-hand figures against a strong left-hand beat, crisp staccato quarter notes, and contrasting dynamics that give it theatrical energy. Repetitive cross-over hand patterns and easy-to-use pedal markings help players develop stylistic confidence while learning expressive shading. With gradual hand/finger placement movements and an octave-lower section that adds depth, this piece makes a recital standout that students love to perform.
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/For-the-King.mp3"][/audio]Race for the Flag, Showstopper Solo
Race for the Flag is a high-energy 6/8 solo that feels like a thrilling musical chase! Students will love the bright, rhythmic momentum and excitement this piece creates. The melody lies comfortably under the fingers—great for teaching and reinforcing 6/8 rhythmic patterns—while short dramatic chromatic figures and cross-hand arpeggios add flair. With a fun A-section return and a bold final fermata, this piece brings both movement and story to any performance.
Key: E minor with a few accidentals
Time Signature: 6/8 (quick and driving)
Teaching Focus: Steady 6/8 rhythm, cross-hand arpeggios, short chromatic figures, phrasing in fast tempo, Showstopper recital piece!
Level: Late Elementary – Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 2 pages music | Performance time: ~1:00
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Race-for-the-Flag-.mp3"][/audio]Race for the Flag, Showstopper Solo
Race for the Flag is a high-energy 6/8 solo that feels like a thrilling musical chase! Students will love the bright, rhythmic momentum and excitement this piece creates. The melody lies comfortably under the fingers—great for teaching and reinforcing 6/8 rhythmic patterns—while short dramatic chromatic figures and cross-hand arpeggios add flair. With a fun A-section return and a bold final fermata, this piece brings both movement and story to any performance.
Key: E minor with a few accidentals
Time Signature: 6/8 (quick and driving)
Teaching Focus: Steady 6/8 rhythm, cross-hand arpeggios, short chromatic figures, phrasing in fast tempo, Showstopper recital piece!
Level: Late Elementary – Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 2 pages music | Performance time: ~1:00
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Race-for-the-Flag-.mp3"][/audio]







Reviews
There are no reviews yet.