Chetham’s International Piano Summer School (CIPSS) is 25 years old in 2026 and to commemorate this occasion, a new anthology of specially commissioned piano miniatures has been released in celebration of the silver anniversary of the largest piano summer school in Europe. 

25 pieces by 25 contemporary composers: each of the featured composers has been supportive, loyal and faithful to Chetham’s, its course and festival, over many years.

From intermediate to advanced level, the styles range from jazz-inspired bagatelles through lyrical meditations to experimental creations and even some musical cryptography too.

The pieces are to be given premieres during the 2026 Summer School, performed by the composers and members of the faculty in the Stoller Hall.

Melanie’s piece, Torment (An Ode To Pianists…) will be performed by pianist Henry Cash at Stoller Hall on Wednesday 12th August.

‘Seeds of Hope’ is a unique collection of 24 elementary to early intermediate piano solos and duets inspired by the courage of Palestinian children.

Compiled by Alison Mathews, original compositions by internationally recognised educational composers are interwoven with arrangements of traditional Palestinian folk and children’s songs.

Included are creative prompts and activities that will encourage musical development and curiosity. All proceeds from the book will go towards two charities that support music programmes in Palestine – PalMusic UK and Musicians Without Borders. Melanie’s contribution is a Grade one level piece entitled ‘Olive Tree’ or  ‘Shajara Zaytūn’.

During January 2025, Melanie was ‘Composer of the Month’ for Top Music. co.

Top Music is an educational organisation founded and run by Australian music educator Tim Topham. This collection consists of ten elementary piano pieces composed by Melanie, published by TMS (TopMusicSheets) as a download to accompany the popular TopMusic.co magazine, which is intended for music and piano teachers.

A Christmas volume, entitled Christmas Pop Favourites, containing 18 piano arrangements. Selections include ‘Blue Christmas’ and ‘Sleigh Ride’.

Published by Willis Music, this book is intended for intermediate standard pianists, and the pieces would suit those of approximately Grade 5 – 7 of the British examination board levels. The music has been written in a ‘pop’ style and composers include Glenda Austin, Eric Baumgartner, Melody Bober, Randall Hartsell, Naoko Ikeda, Carolyn Miller, Carolyn Setliff, Jason Sifford, and Melanie Spanswick.

Melanie’s arrangements are ‘Blue Christmas’ and ‘Somewhere In My Memory.’

From the best-selling Schott Music series, Relax with Meditative Piano contains 40 pieces which have been selected and edited by concert pianist and educator Samantha Ward for their calming properties.

The series is designed primarily to be played at home simply for pleasure. With an easy to intermediate difficulty level, competent amateur pianists should enjoy mastering these pieces.

Three of Melanie’s compositions from No Words Necessary (Schott Music) are featured in this book: ‘Inflections’, ‘Lost in Thought’, and ‘Walking in the Woods.’