All music evokes memories and classical pieces are no exception. Many piano students have wondered what prompted Edward MacDowell to write "To a Wild Rose." Listening to "The Swan" from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, so tender, helps us channel our inner ballet dancer. "Evening Prayer" from Engelbert Humperdinck's opera Hansel and Gretel recalls the story of two scared children lost in a forest. And it's no surprise that the melody of Alexander Borodin's "Polovetsian Dance No. 1" was a perfect fit for the popular song "Stranger in Paradise" from the Broadway musical Kismet.

About the arranger: Brenda Dillon is best known for her contributions to the Recreational Music Making movement. She served on the RMM Committee that designed the RMM Track for MTNA's Pedagogy Saturday. She also presented group piano and RMM sessions throughout the U.S. In addition to serving as a teacher trainer, she has written extensive articles on both group piano and RMM teaching. She has publications with Hal Leonard and Alfred Music listed on her website (www.brendadillon.com).