





Ankylosaurus, Tail of Thunder. Solo
$9.00
Part of The Dinosaur Files: Music, Discovery, and Creativity for Young Explorers
Travel back to the age of dinosaurs with Ankylosaurus: Tail of Thunder, an exciting Elementary piano solo inspired by one of the most heavily armored dinosaurs ever discovered.
With powerful accents, dramatic clusters, and a steady rhythmic pulse, students become the mighty Ankylosaurus as they march across prehistoric landscapes and defend their territory.
This imaginative solo combines engaging storytelling with important pianistic skills. Students explore strong accents, rhythmic confidence, healthy arm weight, and expressive playing while creating the bold sound of a dinosaur famous for its armored body and powerful tail club.
The adventure continues beyond the music with included Explorer Training and Dinosaur Discovery pages (2) filled with musical investigations, creativity challenges, and fascinating facts about Ankylosaurus.
Wondering what it sounds like?
Important Details
Level: Elementary
Key: D Minor
Time Signature: 4/4
Character: Bold • Powerful • Confident
Length: 2 pages • Approximately 1:30 minutes
Pedagogical Value
- Developing confident accented playing
- Exploring healthy arm weight and tone production
- Building rhythmic accuracy and steady pulse
- Introducing cluster effects in a fun, musical context
- Encouraging musical characterization through imaginative storytelling
- Strengthening creative thinking through sound exploration and improvisation activities
Teacher Tips
- Encourage students to imagine the heavy footsteps of an armored dinosaur as they play the accented passages.
- Use the cluster sections as an opportunity to explore relaxed arm weight and a full, resonant tone rather than forceful playing.
- Ask students to experiment with different dynamics and character choices to discover what sounds most like a powerful Ankylosaurus.
- Extend the lesson with the included Explorer Training pages, which reinforce rhythm skills, listening skills, creativity, and musical exploration.
What’s Included
- Ankylosaurus: piano solo
- Explorer Training & Discover (2) pages
Studio License Included: Purchase once and print for all the students in your private teaching studio. Files may not be shared outside your studio.
Ankylosaurus:
Part of The Dinosaur Files: Music, Discovery, and Creativity for Young Explorers
Travel back to the age of dinosaurs with Ankylosaurus: Tail of Thunder, an exciting Elementary piano solo inspired by one of the most heavily armored dinosaurs ever discovered.
The adventure continues beyond the music with included Explorer Training activities and a Dinosaur Discovery page filled with musical investigations, creativity challenges, and fascinating facts about Ankylosaurus.
Wondering what it sounds like?
1 review for Ankylosaurus, Tail of Thunder. Solo
You may also like…
Castle Tales, Vol. 2 Collection
Castle Tales, Vol. 2 invites players into a world of medieval wonder, heroic quests, and magical landscapes with a suite of expressive piano solos that are ideal for late elementary to early intermediate students. Each piece in this collection features strong musical character, imaginative storytelling, and engaging textures that help students develop expressive phrasing, rhythmic confidence, and stylistic awareness — all while enjoying repertoire that feels like a journey through a castle’s storybook realm.
Titles: The Battle Begins, Secrets in the Hall, Black Knight’s Ride, Scarborough Fair, Race for the Flag, Story of True Love, and Dawn of the New Age
Key Info
• Level: Late Elementary–Early Intermediate (RCM 2–3 equivalent)
• How long: 24 pages total (14 pages music + covers included for easy printing)
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Castle-tale-2-all-songs.mp3"][/audio]Castle Tales, Vol. 2 Collection
Castle Tales, Vol. 2 invites players into a world of medieval wonder, heroic quests, and magical landscapes with a suite of expressive piano solos that are ideal for late elementary to early intermediate students. Each piece in this collection features strong musical character, imaginative storytelling, and engaging textures that help students develop expressive phrasing, rhythmic confidence, and stylistic awareness — all while enjoying repertoire that feels like a journey through a castle’s storybook realm.
Titles: The Battle Begins, Secrets in the Hall, Black Knight’s Ride, Scarborough Fair, Race for the Flag, Story of True Love, and Dawn of the New Age
Key Info
• Level: Late Elementary–Early Intermediate (RCM 2–3 equivalent)
• How long: 24 pages total (14 pages music + covers included for easy printing)
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Castle-tale-2-all-songs.mp3"][/audio]Galactic Adventures Collection
Launch young pianists into a universe of musical fun with Galactic Adventures, a show-stopping collection of eight short recital pieces designed for elementary to late elementary students. Each piece in the set is styled differently — from lyrical space wanderings to rhythmic planetary pops — so students can explore a variety of techniques and expressive ideas while staying grounded in approachable material. This collection is perfect for recitals, festivals, or studio goals that encourage confidence and versatility - they especially make great Choice pieces for NFMC Festivals.
Titles in this collection:
Path to Destiny, Eclipse of the Moon, Wormhole Wonders, Intruder Alert! Alone in the Galaxy, Space Walk, Sweet Reflections, and Lost in Time.
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Galactic-Adventures-all-songs.mp3"][/audio]Galactic Adventures Collection
Launch young pianists into a universe of musical fun with Galactic Adventures, a show-stopping collection of eight short recital pieces designed for elementary to late elementary students. Each piece in the set is styled differently — from lyrical space wanderings to rhythmic planetary pops — so students can explore a variety of techniques and expressive ideas while staying grounded in approachable material. This collection is perfect for recitals, festivals, or studio goals that encourage confidence and versatility - they especially make great Choice pieces for NFMC Festivals.
Titles in this collection:
Path to Destiny, Eclipse of the Moon, Wormhole Wonders, Intruder Alert! Alone in the Galaxy, Space Walk, Sweet Reflections, and Lost in Time.
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Galactic-Adventures-all-songs.mp3"][/audio]Lost in Time, Showstopper Solo
Lost in Time is a show-stopping finale solo from the Galactic Adventures series. With a driving left-hand ostinato and a mysterious B section featuring left-hand melody crossing over the right, this piece sounds dramatic and impressive while remaining very approachable for late elementary students. Accents, dynamic shaping, and pedal help bring the drama and momentum to life.
Key: D minor with accidentals Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM ≈ mid-to-fast) Level: Late Elementary Length: Cover + 2 pages music | Performance time: ~1:40
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lost-in-Time-by-Susan-Staples-Bell.mp3"][/audio]Lost in Time, Showstopper Solo
Lost in Time is a show-stopping finale solo from the Galactic Adventures series. With a driving left-hand ostinato and a mysterious B section featuring left-hand melody crossing over the right, this piece sounds dramatic and impressive while remaining very approachable for late elementary students. Accents, dynamic shaping, and pedal help bring the drama and momentum to life.
Key: D minor with accidentals Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM ≈ mid-to-fast) Level: Late Elementary Length: Cover + 2 pages music | Performance time: ~1:40
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Lost-in-Time-by-Susan-Staples-Bell.mp3"][/audio]Related products
Ice Cream Scoops, Trio
Ice Cream Scoops, a "Sweet" Piano Trio for Elementary is an original elementary trio designed to inspire beginner ensemble playing with lots of rhythmic fun and accessible parts. All parts fit easily on one piano and feel right at home in group piano settings. This highly patterned piece includes a full conductor’s score, three student parts, and FREE backing tracks that support home practice and performance.
Key: Written in Middle C position; parts can be played in different octaves
Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM = 200)
Level: Elementary (RCM Prep A–B)
Length: Cover + 11 pages music | Performance time: 1:10
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ice-Cream-Scoops-ALL.mp3"][/audio]Ice Cream Scoops, Trio
Ice Cream Scoops, a "Sweet" Piano Trio for Elementary is an original elementary trio designed to inspire beginner ensemble playing with lots of rhythmic fun and accessible parts. All parts fit easily on one piano and feel right at home in group piano settings. This highly patterned piece includes a full conductor’s score, three student parts, and FREE backing tracks that support home practice and performance.
Key: Written in Middle C position; parts can be played in different octaves
Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM = 200)
Level: Elementary (RCM Prep A–B)
Length: Cover + 11 pages music | Performance time: 1:10
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ice-Cream-Scoops-ALL.mp3"][/audio]Quick Guide to Scales & Chords, Method Book
Quick Guide to Scales & Chords with Tips to Actually Play Them gives teachers and students a practical, ready-to-use roadmap for understanding essential scales and chords — not every scale ever written, but the ones that matter most for making real music. Designed for late elementary through intermediate players, this guide combines musical notation, clear letter charts, and usable theory explanations so students can actually play and apply what they learn, not just memorize it.
Key Info
• Format: Printable guide with notation + text explanations
• Content included: Major scales (letters + notation), Circle of Fifths, minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic), chord charts, triads & inversions, and practical tips for using chords at the piano
• Level: Late Elementary – Intermediate
• How long: 23 pages
Quick Guide to Scales & Chords, Method Book
Quick Guide to Scales & Chords with Tips to Actually Play Them gives teachers and students a practical, ready-to-use roadmap for understanding essential scales and chords — not every scale ever written, but the ones that matter most for making real music. Designed for late elementary through intermediate players, this guide combines musical notation, clear letter charts, and usable theory explanations so students can actually play and apply what they learn, not just memorize it.
Key Info
• Format: Printable guide with notation + text explanations
• Content included: Major scales (letters + notation), Circle of Fifths, minor scales (natural, harmonic, melodic), chord charts, triads & inversions, and practical tips for using chords at the piano
• Level: Late Elementary – Intermediate
• How long: 23 pages
Cactus Dance, Solo
Cactus Dance is a light, rhythmic easy piano solo that captures the playful spirit of a desert breeze and twirling shadows. Written with clear, accessible patterns in C position and delightful rhythmic variation, this tune is ideal for getting young pianists excited about movement, musical color, and expressive phrasing. It’s a fun piece that feels like a dance among the cacti — perfect for building confidence and musical storytelling.
Key Info
• Key: C position with simple accidentals
• Time signature: 4/4
• Level: Easy Elementary
• Character: Playful, rhythmical, expressive
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cactus-Dance-.mp3"][/audio]Cactus Dance, Solo
Cactus Dance is a light, rhythmic easy piano solo that captures the playful spirit of a desert breeze and twirling shadows. Written with clear, accessible patterns in C position and delightful rhythmic variation, this tune is ideal for getting young pianists excited about movement, musical color, and expressive phrasing. It’s a fun piece that feels like a dance among the cacti — perfect for building confidence and musical storytelling.
Key Info
• Key: C position with simple accidentals
• Time signature: 4/4
• Level: Easy Elementary
• Character: Playful, rhythmical, expressive
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cactus-Dance-.mp3"][/audio]Happy Birthday, Flexible Ensemble
Happy Birthday! is a versatile, multi-level ensemble activity built around the familiar celebratory tune — perfect for group lessons, studio classes, or anytime you want a quick, fun ensemble experience. Each part is written as a short line that can be mixed, moved, and combined in many creative ways, making this ideal for flexible grouping, sight-reading practice, lead-sheet introduction, and rhythm exploration.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts (Melody, Harmonic Chords with Chord Symbols, Bass Line, Counter Melody, Rhythm Focus/Hand Percussion)
• Intermediate-level “teacher” accompaniment part and an example solo arrangement
• Parts that can be combined on one piano or across several instruments
• FREE Backing track with three repetitions for rehearsing or performance
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/happy-birthday-Backing-Track.mp3"][/audio]Happy Birthday, Flexible Ensemble
Happy Birthday! is a versatile, multi-level ensemble activity built around the familiar celebratory tune — perfect for group lessons, studio classes, or anytime you want a quick, fun ensemble experience. Each part is written as a short line that can be mixed, moved, and combined in many creative ways, making this ideal for flexible grouping, sight-reading practice, lead-sheet introduction, and rhythm exploration.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts (Melody, Harmonic Chords with Chord Symbols, Bass Line, Counter Melody, Rhythm Focus/Hand Percussion)
• Intermediate-level “teacher” accompaniment part and an example solo arrangement
• Parts that can be combined on one piano or across several instruments
• FREE Backing track with three repetitions for rehearsing or performance







Ellen Goddard –
I am excited to be featuring “Ankylosaurus” at my Summer Piano Camp of young players (Grades 1-3). I chose this piece because it is very attainable for these students and the music really does tell a story! The accents and low notes capture the dinosaur’s movements perfectly! And who wouldn’t love the cluster effects at the end. We will have so much to talk about!🦖🦕