Susan Staples Bell Music

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Susan Staples Bell Music Creative Resources for Piano Teachers - go to https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/

09/18/2026

Not every student wants to play something sweet and pretty. Some want suspense, mystery…and the feeling that something sinister is about to happen.

“Sinister Dealings” gives them a chance to step inside the story and become the mysterious character behind the music.

🎧 Turn up the sound and listen—which student in your studio would love this one?

Know exactly which student would love this? Send them on their next musical mission:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/mission-intrigue-six-original-solos-inspired-by-the-secret-life-of-spies-for-intermediate-piano-solos-studio-license/

09/18/2026

Planning fall and Halloween music for your studio? 🎃🎹

This month’s Studio Bonus makes it especially fun to include several students in your recital:

Spend $45 in one order during September and receive Midnight Monster March Trio—a $15 value—FREE!

Why teachers love this one:

• An easy part lets a brand-new beginner join in
• Three students have fun making music together
• Built-in audience participation turns it into a crowd-pleaser

And because the qualifying order can include anything in my catalog, you can choose the music your individual students need while adding something special to your fall recital.

Build your studio’s fall repertoire:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/

The free trio will be added when your qualifying order is processed.

09/17/2026

Some students need music with attitude.

Others need a piece that teaches them how to make the piano sing. ✨

Topaz, from my Petite Jewels collection, gives advancing pianists a beautiful setting for developing:

• graceful phrase shaping
• melody projection
• balance between the hands
• expressive tone and color
• sensitive pedaling

It’s lyrical music with enough musical depth to keep a thoughtful student listening, experimenting, and growing.

What do you ask your students to listen for when they’re developing a more expressive sound?

Explore Petite Jewels:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/product/petite-jewels-collection/

09/16/2026

Some students need music with attitude. Others need a piece that teaches them how to make the piano sing. ✨

Topaz is a beautiful “gem” for developing lyrical playing.

Its expressive melody gives students opportunities to work on:

💎 Shaping a musical phrase
💎 Bringing out the melody
💎 Balancing melody and accompaniment
💎 Listening closely to tone and color
💎 Using the pedal to support—not blur—the sound

These are sophisticated musical skills, wrapped inside a piece students can connect with and enjoy playing.

What do you ask your students to listen for when they’re learning to play lyrically?

✨ Topaz—from the Petite Jewels collection
SusanStaplesBellMusic.com

Finding the right level is only the first step...A piece may fit perfectly “on paper”—the notes, rhythms, and length are...
09/16/2026

Finding the right level is only the first step...

A piece may fit perfectly “on paper”—the notes, rhythms, and length are all appropriate—and still not spark a connection with the student.

Swipe through four questions I find helpful when choosing repertoire for the student sitting on my bench.

The goal isn’t to remove every challenge. It’s to find music that makes the challenge feel worth it.

How can you tell when a student has found “their” piece? What do you notice first?

Give your students music they love to play:
SusanStaplesBellMusic.com

09/15/2026

Planning fall and Halloween music for your studio? 🎃🎹

This month’s Studio Bonus makes it especially fun to include several students in your recital:

Spend $45 in one order during September and receive Midnight Monster March Trio—a $15 value—FREE!

Why teachers love this one:

• An easy part lets a brand-new beginner join in
• Three students have fun making music together
• Built-in audience participation turns it into a crowd-pleaser

And because the qualifying order can include anything in my catalog, you can choose the music your individual students need while adding something special to your fall recital.

Build your studio’s fall repertoire:
https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/

The free trio will be added when your qualifying order is processed.

09/15/2026

I'm just curious....

Do you or your students use the "soft" pedal very often?

Tell me in the comments if you can hear the difference in this example.
YES! I'm really curious to hear!!

BTW- if you'd like fresh repetroire to teach this in your studio,
pick up Petite Jewels from Susan Staples Bell Music .com

09/15/2026

Can your students really feel the difference between straight and swing? 👻

Monster Boogie gives them a wonderfully playful reason to find out!

In this video, I share some ideas for introducing swing rhythm—and demonstrate how this spooky little monster comes to life at the piano.

It’s the kind of music that lets students work on rhythm, articulation, and musical character while feeling like they’re simply having fun.

Do your students naturally feel swing, or does it take a little experimenting?

Find more imaginative music for your Fall lessons at:
SusanStaplesBellMusic.com

09/15/2026

Before I could record Ice Crystals, my studio supervisor had to inspect the setup. 🐈‍⬛

Apparently, the best seat in the house was already taken.

Does your pet like to “help” during lessons, practicing, or recording?

Eight piano solos—or a whole mini curriculum? This wonderful message from fellow piano teacher Vida made my day.When I c...
09/15/2026

Eight piano solos—or a whole mini curriculum?

This wonderful message from fellow piano teacher Vida made my day.

When I created Petite Jewels, I wanted each piece to stand on its own as expressive, compelling repertoire—but Vida saw even more possibilities inside the collection.

Throughout the eight pieces, students encounter:

- Scales and arpeggios
- Modes and colorful harmonies
- Expressive and technical challenges
- Opportunities to improvise and compose

And because every solo has its own distinct personality, teachers can find the jewel that fits the student sitting on their bench.

Thank you, Vida, for seeing—and describing—everything I hoped teachers would discover in this collection!

Which jewel would your student choose first: Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond, Ruby…or another favorite?

Add Petite Jewels to your studio today:
SusanStaplesBellMusic.com

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Garden Ridge, TX

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