Studying A-level music. NEED HELP!

[gradedpiano]

Hi, i am currently studying A-level music at my college. I have a solo piece that has to be performed and recorded by april and i have no idea what to do. It has to last between 6-8 minutes, it can be a medley of some sort and has to be of Grade 5 standard or above. I can play at an intermediate level at the moment and have struggling. I also have a solo coming up for a concert that our colleges music students are taking part in. This is in 3 weeks times and wondered if anyone had any idea of a good piece I could perform that would captivate an audience. Thank you

[deanalangraham]

Depends on what style you want - I'm a HUGE fan of ragtime, and there are some great grade 5/6 pieces out there (a Scott Joplin medley? Mmmm) and you'll probably be able to nail it in a couple weeks. Or Zez Confrey / Aaron Copland stuff, or go for 'the banjo' by Gottschalk...all very entertaining. Youtube it, it's all out there.

On the other hand you might want to head down the Chopin route, not sure what grade fantasie impromptu is or if you could nail it in a couple weeks, but that's sure to please, and Chopin is a style to himself, a few of his pieces could easily be strung together (you could use the cycle of fifths or something to sting them together, or something like that to choose the pieces (this goes for any composer actually) for some extra browny points - maybe as many of Bach's 48 prelude and fugues you can fit in eight minutes? Midi it on an authentic sounding 'clavier' and see what comes of it!)

I'd go with the medley idea if I were you (as if you nail it it will be most impressive) but whatever you choose, good luck!! 

[gradedpiano]

thank you thats really helpful