1936–1939 John Thompson Student Series Piano Solos (Set of 3) – Willis Music Cincinnati

John Thompson Student Series Piano Collection – Original Willis Music Editions

Offered as a cohesive trio, this original set of 1930s piano solos from the John Thompson Student Series for the Piano originally belonged to the same young piano student, whose penciled name appears on each cover.

These graded educational pieces reflect early 20th-century American piano pedagogy during the height of John Thompson’s influence on structured piano instruction. Included in this collection and sold as a set of three.

1. Shadows on Grand Lake
Composed by John Thompson
Copyright 1939

2. Swaying Silver Birches
Composed by John Thompson under the pseudonym Charles Leslie (his youngest son’s name)
Copyright 1936

3. The Swan on the Moonlit Lake
Composed by Louise Christine Rebe
Copyright 1936

All are original 1930s editions published by The Willis Music Company as part of the John Thompson Student Series for the Piano and measure 9" by 12." Previous student’s name penciled on covers and teacher notations inside. All have a bright sticker star to mark and celebrate the student's progress on their musical journey. One copy shows a reddish ink stain on the front, Light age toning consistent with 1930s paper but are structurally intact. Overall condition ranges from fair to very good vintage.

About the Composers

John Sylvanus Thompson (1889–1963) was one of the most influential American piano pedagogues of the 20th century. After early European study and concert touring, he returned to the United States and served as conservatory head in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, and Kansas City.

His graded instructional materials helped standardize piano education across America. Some compositions were published under the pseudonym Charles Leslie, the name of his youngest son.

Louise Christine Rebe was a prolific female composer and respected piano instructor in Philadelphia during the early 20th century. Her lyrical educational works were widely published and used in student instruction.