Welcome!

Koa Music publishes the work of Connecticut composer William Minter. Koa launched in 2018 with a six-part piano series, Journeys, which mixes original compositions with arrangements of folk songs from around the world. In 2019, William added a book of piano duets, Miniatures, and a Sonatina for piano. William’s compositions have been described as “innovative, interesting, and quirky.” Learn more about William’s compositions here.

Journeys

Journeys is a six-part series of exciting solo piano repertoire written that introduces a wide variety of genres and moods, including pop, jazz, and music from different cultures around the world. The series has been described as “artistic and a great addition to any studio” (Music Matters Blog) and “highly attractive and varied piano music which will appeal to all ages and tastes.” (Cross-eyed Pianist Blog)

Journeys 1

The 30 varied pieces in this volume include folk songs, sea shanties, pop songs, and concert pieces.

This book is ideal for players in their first and second years of learning piano. This book helps players gain confidence in playing with both hands together, legato and staccato touches, and playing chords. Listen to the music here.

Journeys 2

The 19 exciting pieces in this volume include lullabies, folk songs, jazz arrangements, and original compositions.

This book is ideal for early intermediate players who are looking to move beyond beginner repertoire. This book helps players gain confidence in syncopation, expressive use of dynamics, and left hand melodies. Listen to the music here.

Journeys 3

This volume includes original pop songs, folk songs from Russia and China, and artistic concert pieces.

This book is ideal for intermediate players who have started approaching easier repertoire such as Beethoven’s Für Elise. This book helps players gain confidence in extended harmonies, time signature changes, and playing two parts in one hand. Listen to the music here.

Journeys 4

The 13 varied pieces in this volume include world folk songs, original concert pieces, and a calypso.

This book is ideal for intermediate players who want more diversity in their repertoire. This book helps players gain confidence in tempo changes, unusual time signatures, and rapid syncopation. Listen to the music here.

Journeys 5

The 11 pieces in this volume include original concert pieces, a jazz improvisation, and two relaxing mood pieces.

This book is ideal for late intermediate players who are expanding their performance repertoire. This book helps players gain confidence in chromatic passages, use of the entire keyboard, and positional leaps. Listen to the music here.

Journeys 6

This volume includes two waltzes, unique concert pieces, a modal jazz composition, and a minimalist piece. Its general technical level is fairly advanced, perhaps similar to Debussy’s Suite Bergamasque.

This book is ideal for early advanced players who are looking expand their performance repertoire. Listen to the music here.

Miniatures

These 24 short duets—one in every key—are intended both as enjoyable performance pieces and as studies in musicianship.

The pieces are mostly original mood pieces. They are tonal and rarely dissonant, but they employ a wide range of techniques and ideas. Some of these ideas include: tremolo effects, meter change, syncopation, improvisation, modal harmony, and a swing feel. Listen to the music here.

Sonatina

This sonatina is influenced by a range of contemporary, late romantic, and ancient music. The three movements take between 13-15 minutes to play. It is intended to be technically accessible for intermediate learners, and enjoyable for audiences. Listen to the music here.