Still is the companion sheet music book for Carter Schade’s debut recording by the same name. Just 12-years-old when he composed and recorded the music, the book and the CD are both remarkable to say the least. Calling his music an expression of his faith in Jesus Christ and a form of worship, Schade’s music is mostly quiet and relaxing yet very expressive and sophisticated for such a young composer/pianist.

The book itself is lovely. The full-color cover uses the artwork from the CD and the book is spiral-bound. The music is printed on a bright white stock and the notation is crisp, clear, and easy to read. Carter did much of the notation himself using music notation software, and Rebecca Oswald (the best transcriber I know of) assisted. None of the songs are terribly difficult, but they are not simplistic either. There are no reaches of more than an octave and the key signatures are not difficult. Phrasing and pedaling are clearly indicated and metronome settings are included. Pianists at an upper-intermediate playing level should have no trouble mastering this music as long as they pay attention to the timing - and count it! (Sorry, it’s the piano teacher in me coming out again!) This songbook is available at carterschade.com and I highly recommend it!

The song titles, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are as follows:

Still - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 3 1/2 pages
Bridges - Key of Bb (2 flats) - 4 pages
Hope - Key of C - 2 1/2 pages
Again - Key of Bb - 6 pages
A Twilight Star - Key of A minor and C major (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages
Confidence - Key of C - 7 pages
The Water is Wide - Key of G (1 sharp) - 5 pages
After the Rain - Key of E minor (1 sharp) - 4 pages
Farewell - Key of F (1 flat) - 7 pages
Days Gone By - Key of D (2 sharps) - 6 pages