Graceful Productions/NbG Piano Music now distributed by nouvelle music publishing

Scary Ditties Book 1 $8.00 (NbG 0003)

Melissa Hickman

Scary Ditties is a continuation of the Piano Ditties series from NbG Music. The book celebrates the multiculturalism of the fall season and Halloween, in themed piano solos whose inspiration is drawn from around the world Read more

Scary Ditties is a continuation of the Piano Ditties series from NbG Music. The book celebrates the multiculturalism of the fall season and Halloween, in themed piano solos whose inspiration is drawn from around the world including Ireland, Scotland, Mexico, Latin America and the United States. Titles include “All Hallows Eve”, “Día de los Muertos, “Knock a Dolly”, Pranks and Hijinks, “Ghost House”, “Costume Party”, Haunted Hayride”, “Danse Macabre” and “Stingy Jack”. The 19 page book is bound with a plastic coil binding so that the book lays open flat on the piano.

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Scary Ditties 2 Book Intermedaite Piano Solos by Melissa Hickman

NbG 0004

Scary Ditties Book 2 $10.00 (NbG 0004)

Melissa Hickman

Scary Ditties strikes again in an all new book with all the fall and Halloween themes you might expect for the season. Ten intermediate solos in a variety of styles, keys, and meters range from lyrical to monstrous Read more

Scary Ditties strikes again in an all new book with all the fall and Halloween themes you might expect for the season. Ten intermediate solos in a variety of styles, keys, and meters range from lyrical to monstrous grooves. Pianists will be able to swing their way through “Where’s Wolfie?” and “The Spirits of NOLA”, as well as encounter the ebb and flow of 6/8 rhythms in “Shadows Dancing” and “Angel Moon.” Some of the scary grooves to keep your audiences on edge of their seats at that next recital include “Monsters Mayhem”, “What’s in the Closet”, “Cemetery Stroll”, “Creepy Crawlies", “Who’s Your Mummy.” Be sure to listen for the right hand motif mimicking the phrase “Hey Mummy." Contributing to a few scary grooves are fast repeated sixteenth notes requiring quick changes in fingering as in “What’s in the Closet” and “Creepy Crawlies.” A more gentle lunar lyrical side will be experienced in “Angel Moon” and “Longing Under a Blue Moon.” Feel the excitement in audiences as you play through “Scary Ditties 2.”

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Doable Ditties $8.00 (NbG 0001)

Melissa Hickman

Doable Ditties is the first in a series of supplemental piano literature from NbG Music for the elementary to late elementary student. The collection includes originals, patriotic songs, and folk tunes, themed for Read more

Doable Ditties is the first in a series of supplemental piano literature from NbG Music for the elementary to late elementary student. The collection includes originals, patriotic songs, and folk tunes, themed for seasonal, holiday and religious settings in assorted styles, meters, tempos and key signatures. Titles include Mittens, Scarfs, Hats, and Cocoa, A Simple Song, Sizzle, Pop! Gee It’s Hot, A Little Jazz, Old Mac’s Ranch, Regal, A Happy Song, American Folk Ballads, A Simple Prayer, Old Glory.

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Mittens, Scarfs, Hats and Cocoa is reminiscent of outside winter activities such as sledding or making snow angels. It is written in F major and is in 3/4 time. It’s a supplemental piece that can be used to introduce both a new key and new meter. 


A Simple Song is built around the five-finger hand position that divides the melody line between the two hands. The song incorporates both slurs and staccatos so students can practice different techniques in the context of the same piece.


Sizzle, Pop! Gee It’s Hot is written in 6/8 meter and can be performed in either six or two beats per measure. Comprised of both eighth notes and dotted quarters, teachers may opt to introduce first in six and then in two as students become comfortable with the dotted quarter concept.


A Little Jazz, in 2/2 meter, is an introduction to how half steps and intervals are used in jazz and pop music. A walking bass in the left hand helps develop agility. The tempo is given in a range so that performers can decide if they prefer to play in a slower blues or up-tempo jazz feel tempo. The final measures introduce a second in the left hand as part of a seventh chord, and a recognizable triplet ending often heard in jazz standards. Three beats of silence precede the final chord which has an added six for flavor. All these elements will introduce students to the sounds of the jazz genre.


Old Mac’s Ranch is a fun little piece that will resonate with younger students. It incorporates the familiar nursery rhymes of Mary had a Little Lamb, Baa Baa Black Sheep and Bingo into an interesting and enjoyable selection perfect for a first recital.


Regal is a dignified selection structured in a chordal, hymn-like style useful as an offertory at church or for providing music for special events.


A Happy Song is from a series of songs entitled Prime Songs. Students will experience multiple dynamics levels, phrasing and pedaling. The final few notes are intended to add a touch of humor as a musical afterthought. It’s a melody that you will be humming all day.
 
American Folk Ballads is a beautiful arrangement introducing young pianists to the timeless classic songs The Water Is Wide and Shenandoah.


A Simple Prayer is a short flowing arrangement based on a popular Shaker hymn. It is a nice addition to any pianist’s repertoire.  
 
Old Glory is a medley of You’re a Grand Old Flag and America the Beautiful featured in a simple arrangement appropriate for any patriotic holiday or event.