Giant Colored Bird (2004) for solo guitar was written for and is dedicated to guitarist Karin Schaupp. It is inspired by her brilliant and creative playing of a wide range of guitar literature.

The title refers to a vivid mental image of a large, brilliantly colored bird in the wild: both flying and unfurling its wings, while looking out over a beautiful landscape. Giant Colored Bird is thus a joyous celebration of color and warmth.

Using the open strings of the guitar as a starting points for harmonic excursions, the piece is cast in three sections—two moderate tempo sections, surrounding a slower and grander section.