Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams: is this $22.9 stack worth it for Music & Sound Design?

You know that specific frustration of sitting at the piano, staring at a Chopin Nocturne, and realizing your hands simply cannot keep up with the original score? It’s not a lack of passion; it’s a technical ceiling. You want to play the music you love, but the original editions are often dense, technically punishing, and designed for conservatory students rather than intermediate players who just want to enjoy the piece. If you have been stuck between “too easy” beginner books and “impossible” professional scores, Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams offers a pragmatic middle ground. It takes twelve famous, emotionally resonant pieces and arranges them specifically for the intermediate level, stripping away the technical barriers while keeping the soul of the composition intact.

Quick answer

What you’re actually buying

At $22.90, you are not just buying sheet music; you are buying a curated playlist of the most beloved slow piano pieces, arranged by Henrik Kilhamn to fit a specific skill set. The volume focuses on a “Nights & Dreams” theme, pulling together works from Brahms, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, and Rachmaninoff. The value here lies in the dual-key system: every piece comes in two versions, one in the original key and one in an easier key. This is a rare feature in sheet music, allowing you to start in a comfortable key and switch to the original as your technique improves, or simply stick with the easier version if you prefer the sound. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

The 47-page PDF includes detailed fingering and pedaling instructions, which are often missing or inconsistent in casual arrangements. For an intermediate player, these markings are the difference between a messy performance and a polished one. The selection is thoughtful: it balances shorter, very accessible pieces like Brahms’ Lullaby with more substantial works like Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp minor. This mix ensures you aren’t just playing repetitive simple chords; you are engaging with the dynamic range and emotional depth of the Romantic era, just with a manageable technical load. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Why it’s on our radar

This volume stands out because it explicitly targets the “Grade 5” sweet spot—a level that is often underserved in sheet music. Most books are either too simple for an intermediate player who has mastered the basics or too complex for someone who hasn’t yet mastered advanced voicing. By aiming for a specific grade level and providing two key options per piece, Simple Solutions Volume 3 solves the “I can’t play it in the original key” problem without dumbing down the music. The thematic cohesion of “Nights & Dreams” also makes it a great gift or a focused practice collection for players who enjoy slow, lyrical repertoire.

The fact that the arranger, Henrik Kilhamn, has released previous volumes suggests a consistent quality standard and a clear editorial voice. For a solo pianist or a home player, having a dedicated pack of these specific arrangements saves hours of searching for simplified versions online that may lack proper fingering or be of questionable quality. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

What actually matters

Before you buy, consider your current technical level. The listing specifies an approximate Grade 5 difficulty (on a 1-8 scale). If you are still struggling with basic hand independence or simple arpeggios, this might be a stretch. However, if you can play simple chords and basic scales but find the original Chopin or Liszt scores overwhelming, this is the right fit. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Check the key options carefully. The “Easy + Original Keys” feature is the biggest value proposition. If you are a left-handed player or have smaller hands, the easier key version might be the only one that feels comfortable. Also, note that this is a PDF score. Ensure your device (tablet, e-reader, or computer) is set up for reading sheet music comfortably, as the 47-page length is substantial enough that you’ll want a good display. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Finally, look at the fingering and pedaling density. If you are a self-taught player, these markings are your teacher. If you have a teacher, they may prefer to override some of these suggestions, but having a starting point is invaluable. The inclusion of both short pieces (like Träumerei) and longer ones (like Liebestraum) gives you variety in your practice routine, preventing burnout from repetitive structures. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Mid-check

If the Grade 5 level and the dual-key format sound like they match your current playing ability, you can view the specific pieces and pricing options here. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

See current options

FAQ

Is this suitable for a complete beginner? Probably not. The pieces are arranged for an intermediate level (Grade 5). While some shorter pieces like the Brahms Lullaby might be accessible to advanced beginners, the overall collection assumes you have basic technique and can handle more complex voicing. If you are just starting out, look for Grade 1-2 materials first. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Do I get the original scores or just the simplified versions? You get the Simple Solutions arrangements, which are simplified from the originals. The listing notes that these are “shaved down” to be more comfortable. You are not getting the full, unaltered conservatory editions, but you are getting two versions of the arrangement: one in the original key and one in an easier key.

Can I print this at home? Yes, it is a 47-page PDF. You can print it at home or a local print shop. However, for a collection this size, many pianists prefer to use a tablet or e-reader to avoid paper clutter and to take advantage of the digital format’s searchability and page-turning features. (Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams)

Bottom line

If you are an intermediate pianist who loves the Romantic repertoire but finds the original scores too technically demanding, Simple Solutions Volume 3: Nights & Dreams is a smart, focused investment. It gives you 12 beautiful pieces with the flexibility of two key options and helpful fingering guides, all for under $23. It’s not a replacement for a full technical curriculum, but it is a fantastic way to expand your repertoire and enjoy the music you love without the frustration of unplayable passages.