Studio Insights for Creative Piano Teachers
Practical teaching ideas, music previews, and creative strategies from my piano bench to yours.
New Arrivals, Favorites & Best-Selling Sheet Music
Browse the complete Susan Staples Bell Music collection — from the latest releases to teacher-trusted favorites and top-selling studio essentials. Discover inspiring piano music and teaching resources chosen by educators and loved by students, all in one place.
New Arrivals 🎵
Holiday & Worship
Best Sellers
Music That Inspires Practice
In these short, practical videos, I share what’s actually working in my own studio — from lesson ideas and improvisation strategies to behind-the-scenes looks at new music.
If you’ve ever wished your students understood their music more deeply… practiced more willingly… or felt proud of what they were playing — you’re in the right place.
Take the Next Step
If something in a video sparks an idea for your studio, you don’t have to reinvent it.
Explore the sheet music, ensembles, and creative method books designed to support the very strategies I’m sharing.
New World Symphony Theme - Play Along in 5 Parts - Classical Music at the Gym
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Hear how five accessible parts come together to create Dvořák’s beautiful New World Symphony Theme!
In this play-along video, each part is introduced separately:
• ...Part 1 — Melody
• Part 2 — Harmony
• Part 3 — Bass Line
• Part 4 — Counter Melody
• Part 5 — Rhythm
Students can practice with the video, listen for how their part fits into the music, and then experience how all five musical layers work together.
New World Symphony Theme is included in Classical Music at the Gym, Book 1: Elementary Ensembles—a collection of eight familiar classical themes arranged for five flexible parts.
🎹 Learn more and get the complete collection:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Perfect for group lessons, studio classes, camps, piano parties, recitals, multiple keyboards, or five students sharing one piano. Play-along backing tracks, teacher notes, student discovery pages, and a studio license are included.
Don’t just introduce classical music—let students become part of it!
#newworldsymphony #dvorak #pianoensemble #elementarypiano #grouppiano #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Hear how five accessible parts come together to create Dvořák’s beautiful New World Symphony Theme!
In this play-along video, each part is introduced separately:
• ...Part 1 — Melody
• Part 2 — Harmony
• Part 3 — Bass Line
• Part 4 — Counter Melody
• Part 5 — Rhythm
Students can practice with the video, listen for how their part fits into the music, and then experience how all five musical layers work together.
New World Symphony Theme is included in Classical Music at the Gym, Book 1: Elementary Ensembles—a collection of eight familiar classical themes arranged for five flexible parts.
🎹 Learn more and get the complete collection:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Perfect for group lessons, studio classes, camps, piano parties, recitals, multiple keyboards, or five students sharing one piano. Play-along backing tracks, teacher notes, student discovery pages, and a studio license are included.
Don’t just introduce classical music—let students become part of it!
#newworldsymphony #dvorak #pianoensemble #elementarypiano #grouppiano #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Hear Offenbach’s lively Can-Can build from five accessible parts into one energetic elementary piano ensemble!
In this play-along video, each part is introduced separately:
• ...Part 1 — Melody
• Part 2 — Harmony
• Part 3 — Bass Line
• Part 4 — Counter Melody
• Part 5 — Rhythm
Students can practice with the video, listen for how their part fits into the music, and then experience how all five musical layers work together. The quick pulse and playful rhythm make this familiar theme especially fun for developing steady counting and ensemble coordination.
Can-Can is included in Classical Music at the Gym, Book 1: Elementary Ensembles—a collection of eight familiar classical themes arranged for five flexible parts.
🎹 Learn more and get the complete collection:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Perfect for group lessons, studio classes, camps, piano parties, recitals, multiple keyboards, or five students sharing one piano. Play-along backing tracks, teacher notes, student discovery pages, and a studio license are included.
Don’t just introduce classical music—let students become part of it!
#cancan #offenbach #pianoensemble #elementarypiano #grouppiano #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Hear how five accessible parts come together to transform Trumpet Voluntary into a complete elementary piano ensemble!
In this play-along video, each part is ...introduced separately:
• Part 1 — Melody
• Part 2 — Harmony
• Part 3 — Bass Line
• Part 4 — Counter Melody
• Part 5 — Rhythm
Students can practice with the video, listen for how their part fits into the music, and experience the excitement of building an ensemble one layer at a time.
Trumpet Voluntary is included in Classical Music at the Gym, Book 1: Elementary Ensembles—a collection of eight familiar classical themes arranged for five flexible parts.
🎹 Learn more and get the complete collection:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Perfect for group lessons, studio classes, camps, piano parties, recitals, multiple keyboards, or five students sharing one piano. Play-along backing tracks, teacher notes, student discovery pages, and a studio license are included.
Don’t just introduce classical music—let students become part of it!
#pianoteachingtips #trumpetvoluntary #pianoensemble #elementarypiano #grouppiano #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Four piano teachers. One piano. Beethoven’s Fifth!
At a recent piano teachers’ meeting, these teachers test-drove one of the flexible ensembles from Classical Music at the Gym. ...Each teacher played one accessible part, and together they created a complete ensemble performance.
These arrangements are designed for group lessons, studio classes, camps, piano parties and recitals—and they can also be used for sight reading, rhythm, chord study and quick duet-style playing in private lessons.
Explore Classical Music at the Gym: Book 1 — Elementary Ensembles:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
#pianoteachers #PianoEnsemble #GroupPiano #beethoven #pianolessons
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
If you need a flexible way to get your students playing together, check out these Creative ensembles like
Creative Christmas: https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/creative-christmas-bundle-original-jr/
At the ...Gym: https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/at-the-gym-a-collection-of-creative-warm-ups-for-ensembles/
Classical Music at the Gym: https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
Why At the Gym?
Because these can be used as exercises- finger exercises, sight reading, chord study, ensemble playing- all in an accessible format of playing 1 hand at the time. AND 4 students can all make music together on 1 piano!!
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/shop/
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
What happens when five simple parts come together? Watch and listen as Melody, Harmony, Bass Line, Counter Melody, and Rhythm are added one ...at a time to create a complete classical ensemble!
→ Get Classical Music at the Gym, Book 1: Elementary Ensembles:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/classical-music-at-the-gym-book-1-elementary-ensembles/
This flexible ensemble collection helps elementary students experience classical music from the inside—playing familiar themes while developing rhythm, coordination, chord awareness, listening skills, and ensemble confidence.
Each arrangement includes five flexible parts:
• Part 1 — Melody
• Part 2 — Harmony
• Part 3 — Bass Line
• Part 4 — Counter Melody
• Part 5 — Rhythm
The collection features eight familiar classical themes:
Ode to Joy • Trumpet Voluntary • New World Symphony Theme • Can-Can • Spring • Mozart’s Graceful Theme • Swan Lake • Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony Theme
Use the ensembles with five students sharing one piano, multiple pianos or keyboards, group lessons, camps, studio classes, piano parties, or recitals. Play-along backing tracks, teacher notes, student discovery pages, and a studio license are included.
Don’t just introduce classical music—let students become part of it!
#PianoEnsemble #PianoTeaching #ElementaryPiano #GroupPiano #ClassicalMusic
#music
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375
Learn to play Ode to Joy piano with this step-by-step guide. Master melody, chords, and bass to bring this classic to life.
This beginner piano tutorial breaks down the piece into five manageable sections, making it accessible for developing musicians. Whether you are working on your melody, adding chords, or exploring counter-melody and percussion, each part builds your confidence and musicality.
This piano lesson provides a clear path for students to follow. By focusing on these distinct layers, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to arrange and perform a piece that sounds complete and expressive while learning piano.
Please subscribe for more helpful resources, and comment below on which classic piece you would like to see broken down next.Show More

What if the ghost isn’t trying to frighten anyone? What if it’s simply lonely? 👻
The Lonely Ghost gives Halloween a softer, more ...thoughtful feeling. Its gentle melody and haunting harmonies invite students to imagine a ghost floating quietly through the night, hoping to find a friend.
In this video, I talk about the teaching elements in the piece and then play it for you.
Students can explore:
👻 Feeling 3/4 time in one
🎹 Shaping a thoughtful, expressive melody
🎹 Playing dotted half notes with a steady pulse
🎹 Balancing melody and sustained harmonies
🎹 Reading sharps and flats
🎹 Creating contrast through changing textures and dynamics
A beautiful choice for fall lessons or Halloween recitals—especially for students who prefer mysterious, expressive music to something loud or scary.
Find more imaginative piano music at:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com
#halloween #beginnerpiano #piano #pianoteachers #halloweenmusic #music #sheetmusic #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

What happens when the monsters start to boogie? 🎃🎶
Monster Boogie is a playful, jazzy Halloween piano solo—and a fun way to introduce ...young students to swing rhythm.
In this video, I explain how to help students feel and play swung eighth notes, share some of the other teaching elements in the piece, and then perform it for you.
Students can explore:
🎹 How straight and swung eighth notes feel different
🎹 Feeling swing through listening, speaking, and movement
🎹 Syncopated rhythms and offbeat accents
🎹 Chromatic notes and changing hand positions
🎹 Playing the left hand one octave lower
🎹 Dynamic contrasts, articulations, and accents
🎹 Creating a confident boogie style
It’s a super-fun choice for Halloween lessons and recitals—and a memorable first experience with swing!
Find more imaginative piano music at:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com
#halloween #beginnerpiano #piano #pianoteachers #halloweenmusic #music #sheetmusic #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

What might come marching through the darkness at midnight? 🌙🎃
Midnight March gives elementary pianists a bold, mysterious sound through steady rhythms, strong ...repeated patterns, and dramatic contrasts. Students can imagine their own midnight parade—pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, or perhaps something entirely unexpected!
In this video, I talk about the teaching elements in the piece and then play it for you.
Students can explore:
🥁 Maintaining a steady marching pulse
🎹 Playing repeated two-note intervals
🎹 Coordinating the hands
🎹 Reading flats and changing positions
🎹 Contrasting forte and piano dynamics
🎹 Creating a surprise with subito piano
🎹 Following D.C. al Fine
A fun, dramatic choice for fall lessons and Halloween recitals!
Find more imaginative piano music at:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com
#halloween #beginnerpiano #piano #pianoteachers #halloweenmusic #music #sheetmusic #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

Have you ever watched shadows stretch, sway, and dance across the wall? 🌙
Shadow Dance turns those mysterious shapes into a gently haunting ...Halloween piano solo. Its flowing melody moves above long, sustained bass notes, creating an atmospheric sound that feels eerie without being frightening.
In this video, I talk about the teaching elements in the piece and then play it for you.
Students can explore:
🌙 Playing with a swaying 3/4 pulse
🎹 Creating a smooth, legato melody
🎹 Using pedal to build atmosphere
🎹 Reading sharps and moving hand positions
🎹 Dynamic contrasts and expressive shaping
🎹 Following D.C. al Fine
A lovely choice for fall lessons, Halloween recitals, or students who enjoy mysterious, expressive music.
Find more imaginative piano music at:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com
#halloween #beginnerpiano #piano #pianoteachers #halloweenmusic #music #sheetmusic #pianoteachingtips #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

🎹 Get the complete collection:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/easy-sacred-piano-solos-book-1/
Written for elementary pianists, ...this arrangement uses accessible rhythms and comfortable hand positions while allowing the familiar hymn melody to sound complete and expressive. It is well suited for worship, festival, recital, or personal enjoyment.
Easy Sacred Piano Solos, Book 1 includes 10 familiar hymns and spirituals arranged for elementary pianists, with a Studio License for use by one teacher and their own students.
Tune: TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Words by Fanny J. Crosby
Music by William H. Doane
Piano arrangement by Susan Staples Bell
Arrangement © 2026 Susan Staples Bell Music
#piano #pianomusic #pianomethod #sacred #hymns #hymnsongs
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More

https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/10-frightfully-fun-features-for-fall-elementary-late-elementary-studio-license/
Tick…tock…tick…tock… It’s almost midnight! 🕛🎃
Almost Midnight captures the suspense of watching the clock as its hands creep closer and closer to twelve. The ...steady ticking patterns move between the hands, creating a Halloween piano solo that sounds exciting while reinforcing valuable musical skills.
In this video, I talk about the teaching elements found in the piece and then play it for you.
Students can explore:
🕛 A steady quarter-note pulse
🎹 Crisp staccato playing
🎹 Patterns that move between the hands
🎹 Sharps and changing hand positions
🎹 A dramatic ritardando followed by a return to tempo
🎹 Dynamic contrasts and a mysterious ending
A fun choice for fall lessons, Halloween recitals, or any beginner who loves music with a little suspense!
Find more imaginative piano music at:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com
#halloween #beginnerpiano #piano #pianoteachers #halloweenmusic #music #sheetmusic #pianoteaching
Hi! My name is Susan Staples Bell. I'm a composer/arranger and I've been a Piano Teacher for over 30 years. Welcome to my channel!
Here you will find sheet music and resources for Church Musicians, Piano Teachers & their students, and Adult Recreational Learners- all available for instant Download.
Please Subscribe and Click the Bell to make sure you see New Releases!
I take commissions! Contact me: ssmbell.music@gmail.com
Follow me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SusanBellPianoStudio.Compositions
Lots more to discover: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/publishers/susan-staples-mast-bell-sheet-music/3014463?aff_id=563375Show More