Reaching 12 is the companion songbook to Faith Angelina’s debut recording by the same name. All twelve piano solos from the album are included in this spiral-bound book, which has full-color reproductions of the CD artwork on the front and back covers. The notation is clear, spacious, and easy to read. Dynamics, pedaling suggestions, and metronome settings are all included and are clearly marked. Although I didn’t proof-read the sheet music, these transcriptions sound very true to the recordings. The pieces are not difficult, so most pianists at an intermediate to upper-intermediate playing level should have little trouble mastering this charming and heartfelt music. All but one of these pieces were composed before Faith Angelina turned twelve (hence the title), and it’s a beautiful beginning to what promises to be an amazing music career for this young composer/pianist. Click here to go to my review of the CD for comments about the music itself. The is available from www.FaithAngelinaMusic.com. The album is available on many online retail music sites.

As a piano teacher, I am very impressed with how well Faith’s music is constructed and think this book would serve as a real inspiration for other young pianists. There is a variety of moods and styles in the music and pianists with small hands won’t have any problems with big reaches. It’s a fascinating songbook for pianists at any age, but I think it would be especially good for younger students.

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

Run With the Wind - Key of C# minor/ E (4 sharps) - 6 pages
Sunday Morning Rain - Key of C (0 sharps or flats) - 5 pages
Easter Lilies - Key of D (2 sharps) - 3 1/2 pages
Finding Hope - Key of A (3 sharps) - 3 pages
Lost - Key of Eb minor (6 flats) - 6 pages
Seasons - Key of Db major/Bb minor (5 flats) - 3 pages
Eye of the Storm - Key of F minor (4 flats) - 5 pages
Abuelita - Key of Eb (3 flats) - 5 pages
Chasing Rainbows - Key of E minor (1 sharp) - 6 1/2 pages
Sunny Day - Key of C - 4 1/2 pages
Saying Goodbye - Key of Eb (3 flats) - 4 pages
Twelve - Key of Gb (6 flats) - 6 pages