Maple Samaras | Contemporary Piece for Solo Piano (Late Intermediate)

Maple Samaras — Martha Hill Duncan

Maple Samaras is the Chef’s Choice this month, composed by guest composer Martha Hill Duncan. This captivating piece takes listeners on an exciting journey filled with colorful twists, modern harmonies, and a sense of constant motion that feels both playful and expressive.

Samaras are the small, helicopter-like seeds that fall from maple trees in late summer and fall, and Martha beautifully captures that image in sound. The left hand features cyclical, spinning patterns that mirror the motion of falling samaras, while the right hand floats lyrically above with a catchy, expressive melody. The result is a piece that feels grounded and driving underneath, yet light and soaring on top.

Much like Splash of Blue and her other works, Martha’s strong sense of melody and harmony guides students through a wide emotional and musical landscape. The piece offers plenty of room for shaping dynamics and phrasing, making it especially engaging for students who love fast, energetic music with contemporary flair.

🎵 About this piece:

• Level: Late Intermediate
• Style: Contemporary / Modern Lyrical
• Format: Solo Piano
• Pedagogical focus: Modern harmonies, unique time signatures, syncopation, coordination between hands, dynamic contrast, expressive phrasing
• Exploration: Have students imagine the spinning motion of samaras while shaping the left-hand patterns and letting the right-hand melody “float” freely above.
• Scan and Play: Scan QR code for MP3 recording

📚 Perfect for:

• Students who love fast, energetic pieces
• Introducing contemporary sounds and color shifts
• Developing expressive dynamics and confident phrasing

🎵 Listen to this piece: