Ocean Tails
12 elementary piano solos
Instant PDF download
Ocean Tails is a collection of 12 piano solos inspired by the coastal beauty of Vancouver Island, Canada. Written for Preparatory to Grade 1 level students of any age, each piece uses familiar hand positions and patterned writing to support technical confidence, paired with expressive melodies students genuinely enjoy playing.
Each solo is built on a different church mode, introducing students to a fresh harmonic colour while gently developing their ear and early theory understanding. Titles and imagery — from sea creatures to quiet coastal scenes — give students a starting point for musical storytelling and interpretation.
Educational highlights:
Repeating patterns and intuitive hand shapes for early technical security
Introductory exposure to modal sounds, building listening and theory skills
Engaging titles and imagery to support musical expression
20 pages. Suitable for lesson, exam, or recital repertoire at the early elementary level.
Titles include: Starfish Strut, Ocean Tails, Tally-Ho Trot, Tall Totems, Two Banana Slugs, Driftwood Shore, Cathedral Grove, Harbour Buzz, Stroll Through Beacon Hill, Double Decker Bus, The Malahat Drive, Fan Tan Alley
Two Banana Slugs- Conservatory Canada Contemporary Repertoire Grade 1
Stroll Through Beacon Hill- Conservatory Canada Contemporary Repertoire Grade 1
Hardcopy edition available on Red Leaf Pianoworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What level is Ocean Tails?
Ocean Tails is written for early elementary students at the Preparatory to Grade 1 level (RCM or Conservatory Canada equivalent). It is suitable for students of all ages in the early stages of piano study.
What makes Ocean Tails different from other elementary piano books?
Each of the 12 solos is written in a different ancient church mode — Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, and others — giving the music a sound that is fresh and distinctive without being too difficult. Students are introduced to modal sounds naturally and early, while the familiar hand positions and repeating patterns keep the learning accessible and confidence-building.
Is Ocean Tails on any Canadian exam lists?
Yes. Two Banana Slugs and Stroll Through Beacon Hill are both listed in the Conservatory Canada Contemporary Repertoire at Grade 1.
What inspired the collection?
Ocean Tails is inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, and landmarks of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Titles reference real places and creatures — from Fan Tan Alley in Victoria's Chinatown to Cathedral Grove's ancient forest and the coastal wildlife of the island.
Is it suitable for young children and adult learners?
Both. The imaginative titles and vivid imagery engage younger students, while the modal character and musical depth also appeal to adult beginners and returners looking for repertoire that goes beyond the ordinary.
How is it delivered?
Ocean Tails is an instant PDF download (20 pages), sent by email after purchase. A single-user license covers one digital copy and one printed copy for personal use. A studio license is available separately, and a hardcopy edition is available through Red Leaf Pianoworks.