Vocal Solos
The Moon
This is a descriptive and expressive solo. It features an extended range and word painting; the voice gradually and sequentially rises higher to represent the rising of the moon in verse 1 and the sun in verse 2. The minor key represents the things of the night; the major key represents all the bright things of day. Featured in the Royal Conservatory of Music 2025 Syllabus.
ADVANCED BEGINNER
My Shadow
A perfect piece for any aspiring soloist! Text from Robert Louise Stevenson. Word painting in the vocal and accompaniment parts depict jumping in bed, sun rising, etc. The final section in recitative style contrasts with the previous verses and provides the opportunity to 'opera it up' a bit! The overall mood is playful and innocent.
ADVANCED BEGINNER
Un Canadien Errant
Quietly simple and nostalgically beautiful arrangement of this endearing French Canadian folk song. The vocal line is true to the original tune while the piano lovingly provides support in pure art song style. Ideal for singers of any age, this folk song, with its universal story of longing for home, is suitable for any occasion.
EARLY INTERMEDIATE
Frobisher Bay
Scored for medium voice and piano, this is a highly dramatic and vivid arrangement of James Gordon's Canadian folksong. The piano accompaniment uses extensive musical imagery to highlight the story of whalers trapped in the ice in Northern Canada. Very impressive festival/concert/recital work - sure to leave a impression. High and low voice also available.
INTERMEDIATE
I Heard the Voice
This much-loved hymn is based on the traditional Irish tune, Star of the County Down, which dates back to the Middle Ages. In 1906, Ralph Vaughn Williams added the tune to the hymn text known as Kingsfold, which we now know as I Heard The Voice of Jesus Say. This arrangement combines the beloved tune with a contemporary piano accompaniment to create a new, ethereal and introspective setting.
INTERMEDIATE
Maid On the Shore
coming soon in 2025
INTERMEDIATE
The Wind
A soaring and expressive solo for high voice based on the poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson (A Child's Garden of Verses). Develops breathing and phrase control. Tonality shifts between major and minor as the piano accompaniment flows evenly throughout while the vocal line soars above. Ornamented notes decorate the repeat of the melody in the third verse. Very impressive concert/recital piece!
INTERMEDIATE
A Silent Love
Based on an anonymous poem, this is a sensitive and sweet love song scored for soprano and piano. Available for low, medium and high voice.
EARLY ADVANCED
She's Like the Swallow
A haunting and ethereal arrangement of this well-known NFLD folk song. The original, rarely used text tells this tragic tale of love, betrayal and loss. The piano part is its own character, using musical imagery to portray the dramatic events and emotions. The vocal part features an extended range, portrays the characters in art-song style, and will leave listeners stunned.
EARLY ADVANCED
Streams of Thought
Fun, precocious and flirty! A short, four "mini movement" vocal/piano work commissioned by Dr. Jessica McCormack with text by New Brunswick poet, the late Kay Smith.
ADVANCED