Five New and Lesser-Known Compositions for Trumpet and Piano: A Graded Course Study

This study grades and analyzes five pieces of music for trumpet and piano for middle school students, high school students, and college undergraduate music majors. These five pieces may supplement the repertoire of trumpet players preparing for state solo festivals, college performances, and other solo appearances. Each analysis includes a biographical sketch that highlights the significance of the composer and their contributions to the music world. Following each biographical sketch, this study provides an analysis of pedagogical value and a corresponding difficulty grade. The grading system applied in this document is by Ross Ahlhorn. Lastly, an analysis examining the collaboration between the trumpet and piano concludes each chapter. This will include analyzing unison melodies and rhythms, complex differences between each musical voice, and, how easily the parts align and work together. The Skills-Based Grading System by Ahlhorn provides a framework that educators can use to grade repertoire. His grading system assigns difficulty levels to repertoire by analyzing specific fundamentals. Using grading frameworks such as Ahlhorn's allows music educators to analyze fundamental values in repertoire that has not been graded and assesses whether that repertoire is appropriate for a particular student. An analytical framework such as this also promotes the exploration of new or lesser-known music. Music educators can search and investigate new repertoire for students that represent more composers of diverse backgrounds. Assigning and performing new and lesser-known music can be an effective way to foster inclusivity among composers.