Linham – 14 Character Pieces (2019)

Composer: Ryan Linham (2019)
Duration: 14 Pieces
Price: £14
Grade: 4-7
Instrumentation: Trumpet in Bb and Piano (Plus additional easier Piano Score)

This book, “14 Character Pieces” represents an exciting project I’ve undertaken as part of my teaching practice and educational initiatives. As is often the case with music education, I’ve encountered talented, high-graded, yet young musicians who are eager to explore a diverse and engaging repertoire. This book, which I have extensively integrated into my teaching, aims to both challenge and acquaint students with various musical styles. This collection has sold over 100 copies and is in use internationally as ‘pre-approved’ graded material with the Music Teachers Board exams.

Within this collection, students will discover the incorporation of techniques such as muting, growling, wah-wah effects, and glissando. Rather than pushing players to their uppermost range limits, the book focuses on fostering rhythmic and musical prowess. Each composition is designed to last approximately 2-3 minutes, mirroring the format of graded pieces. Recommended grades are clearly indicated in the contents, and for the students’ enjoyment and support of less-experienced accompanists, simplified piano accompaniments are provided. Furthermore, both piano parts are furnished with chord symbols.

2024 Update: Due to the great success of this collection and it’s extensive use by music teachers and as own choice repertoire for the Music Teachers Board, I have written an advanced Volume 2, see link below!

Purchase the £5 Piano Accompaniment Playalong Recordings here

Click here for the advanced 14 Character Pieces – Volume 2 (2024)

List of Style examples/Grades:

  1. Circus Clown – Fucik, Entry of the Gladiators (4)
  2. All Alone – 80s power ballad (4)
  3. Hero to the Gods – Noble superhero melody (5)
  4. Pirates Adventure – Pirate’s of the Caribbean (5)
  5. 10 o’clock Newscaster – TV News theme! (5)
  6. Happy-Go-Lucky – Orchestral light music eg. Farnon/Anderson (6)
  7. Royal Procession – La Peri style fanfare (6)
  8. The Ol’ Fisherman – Moon River style song (6)
  9. Legend on the Dancefloor – Disco! (6)
  10. Secret Agent – Sneaking harmon mute swing, Pink Panther style (5)
  11. Hallelujah Preacher – Ray Charles gospel funk style (6)
  12. Cowboy Hoedown – Copland Rodeo (6)
  13. Floating Astronaut – Star Trek opening, John Williams Close encounters of the Third Kind (7)
  14. Racing Jockey Rondo – Galloping 6/8 classical style (7)

Playalong Youtube Playlist:

Sample Student Video:

Sample Scores: