PIANO DETECTIVES – now available

composed by myself and Martha Hill Duncan

Four volumes in all:

Book 1 Shadows and Secrets – Elementary to Late Elementary

Book 2 Midnight Mysteries – Late Elementary to Early Intermediate

Book 3 Code Breakers – Early Intermediate to Mid-Intermediate

Book 4 Covert Operations – Intermediate to Late Intermediate

Piano Detectives invites students into a world of musical mystery, where each piece is a case to crack. By listening carefully, spotting patterns, and following clues in the score, students become musical sleuths. They learn without even realizing it—building essential skills as they solve one musical mystery after another.

The review of my Shades of Quiet in the spring issue of the Canadian Music Teachers magazine.

“What a lovely oasis of calm can be found in this book! Beginning with the cover picture of a white iris on a beige background, moving to the easily legible layout, this book is immediately engaging.

Each of the titles of the 15 two page piano solos, draw one in to a mood of quiet reflection. From Just a Whisper, Solitude, Wrapped in Twilight, to Solace, Tranquillity, Serenity, and more, the expressive, lyrical melodies create a sensitive and peaceful atmosphere. In the preface, the composer states her intent that this repertoire capture your heart without requiring an intense amount of practice.

The difficulty is from late elementary to early intermediate. Key signatures range from one flat to two sharps with the exception of a single piece using mostly black keys with six flats. Time signatures used are 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/8 and 6/8. Most pieces use quarter notes and eighth notes with the exception of Be Still which has a brief section with broken chord sixteenths.

These pieces have a wide range of uses, from repertoire to sight reading, to exercises in melodic projection and creating a gentle tone palette. We all know the therapeutic value of music – this volume is a valuable tool to that end. In an era of heightened anxiety, here is a balm!”

Joyce Janzen – BCRMTA

I am thrilled to be included in the 2024 – 2028 US Federation Festivals Bulletin with my Trios! They have selected:

Cool Cat trio – Way cool! This Cat is in no hurry and will have everyone tapping their feet to this slow groove.

Elementary Class III

Three to Tango trio – A little tango that has the players jumping over and under their partners hands! Lots of fun!

Elementary Class II

Latin Tracks trio – A catchy Latin rhythm in cut time to get those feet tapping!

Elementary Class IV

O’Yeah trio – A laid back, easy going tempo, this syncopated trio requires players to snap their fingers all together. Great fun!

Elementary Class IV

A new book of little etudes for Elementary Level! Over 30 pieces to get your young student engaged where each piece focuses on one musical element. Designed to be easy in the hands and lots of fun for your student! Enjoy!

Review of Giggles’n Kids Collection in the BCRMTA Progressions Magazine

“Short enough to easily hold a student’s interest and challenging enough to be useful for instruction, this book is a treasure trove for both learner and instructor. It could be used as a supplemental book for any method or learned from beginning to end. Highly recommended!” by Joyce Janzen

Excited that my violin works have been accepted in the ACNMP Contemporary Showcase Syllabus. The Syllabus can be accessed at this link: Violin Syllabus | ACNMP

‘Little Dance for Clara’ – A charming little dance for violin and piano is included in the Syllabus.

http://www.susangriesdale.com/strings/

Dance Vignettes Collection – An engaging collection of dances for solo violin using synthetic scales. Dances include Pantomime Waltz, Tarantella, Caper Dance, Cinque Pace, Tango, La Volta, Jig, Farruca, Csardas, and Bolero.

http://www.susangriesdale.com/strings/

DanceScape! A concert of three composers, Rita Ueda, Sheila Vandikas and Susan Griesdale presenting works that highlight movement and dance. Susan’s Dance, Danse, Danza collections were featured with outstanding performances by Charissa Vandikas and Gregory Vandikas.

Performances can be seen/heard at this YouTube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jwV3ZF75wY&list=PL-9IuzZGoiLHY2IT9sn125thJWoPl98f_

At Koerner Hall for the Music Lights the Way Gala concert celebrating the launch of The Royal Conservatory 2022 Celebration Series, 6th Edition with two of my talented composer friends from Red Leaf Pianoworks. So honoured to have our piano music included in these inspirational and inclusive publications.

My composition For the Children for violin and piano has been selected as the winner in the CFMTA Call for Composition Competition for level 3 – 4. You can hear the music here.

A number of my compositions have been included in the new RCM Piano Collections and Syllabus.

Arctic Voices piece is included in the RCM Grade 3 Repertoire book.

The following pieces are also listed in the Syllabus.

Arctic Fox for Grade 4

Sleepwalking from Piano Mime in Concert Collection for Grade 5

Lament for the Polar Bear and Dancing Skies both from Arctic Voices Collection for Grade 6

Toques and Parkas from Arctic Voices Collection for Grade 7

Happy to announce that the 2021 RCM Violin Series is publishing Jolly Rondo from my Violin Collection ‘Soundplay’. It is contained in the RCM Technique, Etudes and Musicianship Levels 5 to 8 book.