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.
Topaz 💛 | Expressive Intermediate Piano Solo
Topaz is a warm, expressive piano solo inspired by the glow and brilliance of a golden topaz gemstone. Flowing phrases, rich harmonies, and lyrical ...shaping create a sound world that feels radiant, heartfelt, and deeply musical.
Part of the Petite Jewels collection, Topaz encourages students to develop expressive phrasing, tonal control, and emotional connection while playing music that feels rewarding from the very first note.
💛 Topaz
- Early Intermediate – Intermediate Piano Solo
💎 From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/shop/
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #lyricalpiano #petitejewels
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

Topaz is a warm, expressive piano solo inspired by the glow and brilliance of a golden topaz gemstone. Flowing phrases, rich harmonies, and lyrical ...shaping create a sound world that feels radiant, heartfelt, and deeply musical.
Part of the Petite Jewels collection, Topaz encourages students to develop expressive phrasing, tonal control, and emotional connection while playing music that feels rewarding from the very first note.
💛 Topaz
- Early Intermediate – Intermediate Piano Solo
💎 From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/shop/
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #lyricalpiano #petitejewels
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

Ruby is a bold, expressive piano solo inspired by the energy and brilliance of a ruby gemstone. Repeated-note patterns, flowing melodic lines, and rich ...harmonies create a sound that feels both powerful and deeply musical.
Part of the Petite Jewels collection, Ruby helps students develop rhythmic confidence, balance within textures, and expressive control while playing music that feels exciting and emotionally connected from the very first phrase.
❤️ Ruby
- Intermediate Piano Solo
- From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #intermediatepiano #petitejewels
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

Most pianists use the sustain pedal…
…but what about the SOFT pedal? 🎹✨
Listen carefully:
Which version of Ice Crystals used it?
Tell me in ...the comments which one you think it is!
In case you'd like to check this piece out, you can download Ice Crystals here:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/ice-crystals-piano-solo-early-intermediate-studio-license/
#piano #pianoshorts #pianoteacher #classicalpiano #pianomusic #musicteacher #softpedal #pianotips #shorts #sheetmusic #pianochallenge
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

Diamond is a brilliant, flowing piano solo inspired by the sparkle and movement of light through a diamond. Continuous patterns, shimmering textures, and lyrical motion ...create a sound that feels energetic, radiant, and alive.
Part of the Petite Jewels collection, Diamond helps students develop coordination, flowing hand movement, balance within textures, and confidence through music that feels both exciting and expressive from the very first phrase.
💎 Diamond
- Early Intermediate – Intermediate Piano Solo
✨ From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/shop/
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #flowingpiano #petitejewels
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

A world premiere at today’s piano recital… 💎
At our recital this afternoon, Matthew gave the premiere performance of my newest piano solo, Diamond… and I ...could not be more proud of him.
From the very first rehearsal, he brought such thoughtfulness, musicality, and expressive playing to this piece. He captured both the brilliance and the lyrical beauty of the music in a way that truly made it shine.
One of the greatest joys of being a composer and teacher is hearing students bring new music to life with their own personality and artistry — and Matthew did exactly that today.
Beautiful work, Matthew. Thank you for giving Diamond such a memorable first performance. 💎🎹✨
Diamond is part of my new Petite Jewels collection for piano.
SusanStaplesBellMusic.com
#pianorecital #pianostudent
#youngpianist #pianoperformance
#pianomusic #pianoteacher
#pianoteaching
#pianostudio
#studentperformance
#contemporarypiano
#originalpianomusic
#pianosolo
#intermediatepiano
#musiceducation
#pianoteachers
#composerlife
#newmusic
#RecitalSeason
#PetiteJewels
#DiamondPianoSolo
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

Opal is an expressive piano solo inspired by the shifting colors and luminous textures of an opal gemstone. Gentle harmonic changes, flowing lines, and ...evolving musical layers create a sound world that feels both reflective and alive.
Part of the Petite Jewels collection, Opal encourages students to listen deeply for tone color, balance, and expressive nuance while developing confidence in musical storytelling and phrasing.
✨ Opal
- Intermediate Piano Solo
- From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #impressionisticpiano #petitejewels
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

Why are fish such good musicians?
Because they know their scales! 🐟🎹😄
…Do you know your scales?
In this Piano Pranks short, I share ...a playful piece built around the C Major scale—with patterns that make scale practice feel musical, engaging, and actually fun to play.
Because scales don’t have to feel like an assignment… they can feel like music.
💡 What this piece teaches (without feeling like a lesson):
Reinforces the C Major scale through repetition and patterns
Builds finger confidence and fluency
Helps students connect scales to real music
Turns “practice” into something students actually enjoy
🎹 This piece is part of my Piano Pranks collection—fun, joke-inspired solos that combine creativity, humor, and solid teaching concepts your students will love.
👇 I’d love to hear:
Do your students enjoy scales… or do they need a little convincing? 😄
If you enjoy creative teaching ideas like this, subscribe for more—new Piano Pranks videos every Thursday, plus simple ideas you can use right away in your studio.
#piano #musiceducation #pianoteaching #musicforbeginners #sheetmusic #pianosheetmusic #musicscale
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

Some students don’t need an easier piece…
they need a piece that makes them excited to sit down and ...PLAY. 🎹⚡
Ready to Be a Rock Star is one of those pieces.
With driving rhythms, bold patterns, and a sound that feels exciting from the very first measure, this late elementary solo has become a favorite for students who want music that sounds BIG and COOL.
✔️ syncopated rhythm patterns
✔️ moving left hand positions
✔️ energetic, confidence-building sound
✔️ great for students needing renewed motivation
This is the kind of piece students ask to play again the moment they finish it.
🎵 Ready to Be a Rock Star
Late Elementary Piano Solo by Susan Staples Bell
#PianoTeacher #PianoLessons #PianoTeaching #PianoStudents #PianoMusic #PianoTeacherLife #SheetMusic #MusicTeacher #LateElementaryPiano #pianosolo
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

Happy Mother’s Day 💐
Some songs feel like memories.
I wrote I Remember You with that kind of feeling in mind —
the people who shape us,
encourage ...us,
believe in us,
and stay in our hearts long after the moment has passed.
Today felt like the perfect day to share it.
To all the moms, grandmothers, teachers, mentors, and women who have loved deeply and made a difference…
This music is for you. ❤️
#pianomusic #mothersday #sheetmusic #piano #relaxingmusic #music #pianosheetmusic #love #hugs
Celebrate Mother 's Day with this heartfelt piano piece, "I Remember You." It's a special happy mothers day song dedicated to every mom. We hope these happy mothers day wishes bring warmth and joy.
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

Sapphire is a flowing, lyrical piano solo inspired by the shimmer and depth of a sapphire gemstone. With gently flowing patterns, expressive phrasing, and moments ...of guided creativity, this piece invites students to connect emotionally with the music from the very first note.
Originally written for students developing musicality and confidence, Sapphire is part of Petite Jewels — a collection of 8 expressive piano solos, each with its own distinct sound, mood, and musical focus.
💎 Sapphire
- Early Intermediate – Intermediate Piano Solo
- From the collection Petite Jewels
- Studio License Included
Explore the full collection at:
susanstaplesbellmusic.com
Susan Staples Bell Music
Exciting Sheet Music. Creative Method Books. Engaging Your Students.
#pianomusic #pianosolo #pianoteacher #lyricalpiano #petitejewels
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 do pianists use to eat with?
…a tuning fork! 😂🎹
In this Piano Pranks short, I share a clever, pattern-based piece built around the ...orchestra’s tuning notes: G, D, A, and E.
It creates a unique, slightly mysterious sound—while quietly helping students build confidence navigating the keyboard.
💡 What this piece teaches (without feeling like a lesson):
Reinforces keyboard geography in a memorable way
Builds familiarity with important anchor notes (G–D–A–E)
Encourages pattern recognition and quick learning
Introduces a fresh, intriguing sound students don’t hear every day
🎹 This piece is part of my Piano Pranks collection—fun, joke-inspired solos that combine creativity, humor, and solid teaching concepts your students will actually enjoy.
👇 I’d love to hear:
Do your students think of the keyboard in patterns… or note-by-note?
If you enjoy creative teaching ideas like this, subscribe for more insights for the Studio: plus simple ideas you can use right away in your studio.
#piano #pianoteacher #pianomusic #musicforbeginners #pianosheetmusic
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

Some students LOVE improvisation immediately…
and others completely freeze the moment we say:
“Now make up something of your own.”
In this video, I’m sharing a gentle approach ...to improvisation using the “A Moment to Shine” section from my lyrical piano solo Sapphire from the Petite Jewels collection.
Instead of overwhelming students with unlimited choices, this approach uses:
- a repeating harmonic vamp
- a limited note set
- guided exploration
- and expressive imagery to help students feel confident and creative at the piano.
You’ll hear:
* the written version
* simple improvisation ideas students can try immediately
* ways to encourage hesitant students
* and how tonal imagery (“bright, transparent, gently shimmering”) can inspire expressive playing.
One of my favorite parts of teaching creativity is watching students discover that improvisation doesn’t have to be complicated to sound beautiful.
Creativity is rarely neat and perfect in the beginning — and honestly, that’s part of the magic. Some of the most meaningful musical moments happen while students are simply exploring and discovering what they love.
✨ Explore Sapphire and the Petite Jewels collection here:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/shop/
If you enjoy creative piano teaching ideas, improvisation tips, and inspiring repertoire for students, I’d love to have you subscribe for more weekly videos.
#PianoTeacher #PianoImprovisation #CreativePianoTeaching #PianoLessons #PianoPedagogy #SusanStaplesBell #PetiteJewels #PianoTeachers #ImprovisationForPiano #TeachingCreativity
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