If you haven’t yet discovered the music of Susan Staples Bell, you are in for a treat! Susan is a self-published composer who has made a remarkable splash in the music education world, and fast. Her music is not only full of energy and creativity, but it truly connects with students and teachers alike. And just like her music, Susan herself is an absolute delight! Though I haven’t met her in person, I feel like I already know her through our email correspondence, social media and video interviews that I have watched. That’s the kind of warmth and spirit she brings.

Susan composes in a wide variety of musical styles, from solo works to multi-player ensembles, holiday favorites to educational resources and workshop materials. Her pieces range from easy to early advanced levels and are available as single-user or studio licenses. Be sure to check the license type when purchasing. My personal preference is the studio license, which allows a teacher to use the music with all students in their studio (note: other teachers must purchase their own license).

Here are just a few highlights to give you a taste of what Susan has to offer:

Exploring Improvisation: 30 Prompts to Unleash Your Inner Cool

First off, how fun is that title? It immediately sets the tone for a playful and empowering introduction to improvisation.

The book begins with “Simple Beginnings”. These 5 pieces are designed to let students experiment freely with sound. With prompts, suggestions, and gentle challenges, students can explore at their own pace. I love that these can be used in short spurts, even in the last five minutes of a lesson, and still be meaningful. Students explore sound, rhythm, harmony, melody, and end with a simple ABA song structure.

The next section, “Understanding Melody,” helps students go deeper into intervallic relationships, motive development, and melodic structure. They learn how to craft a melody that really sticks, with activities like switching hands and shaping memorable motives.

Finally, in “Putting It All Together – Building a Musical Vocabulary,” students expand their improvisational toolkit with a variety of musical styles including pop, march, ragtime, and Latin. They dive into chord vocabulary, experiment with the 12-bar blues, and explore the magic of 4-chord progressions, even when there’s no written melody.

Exploring Improvisation is suitable for students of all ages and skill levels.

Exploring Chord Progressions: Through Lead Sheets & Improvisation

This resource is a fantastic follow-up to Exploring Improvisation. It helps students develop a practical understanding of scales (major and minor), modes, and chords. While theory is meant as a creative guide that sparks curiosity.

The book is organized into four key sections:

• The Basics – Foundational theory on scales, modes, and chords.
• Analysis & Identification – Four pages of exercises to test understanding.

• Lead Sheets – A step-by-step introduction to reading and playing from lead sheets. Each piece starts with a breakdown of structure, key/mode, time signature, mood, and chord changes.

For example, in Scarborough Fair, students learn the piece is in D minor (Dorian mode), with a soothing 3/4 feel and chords including Dm, C, Bb, G/D, and F. Susan walks students through chord exercises before diving into the lead sheet.

• Improvisation – this section encourages creative freedom while providing structure. Students who’ve used Exploring Improvisation will feel right at home here, but newcomers will also find it accessible and engaging.

Exploring Chord Progressions is a great resource for teachers, creative students, and even church pianists looking to build confidence in lead sheets and improvisation.

Best of Boogies & Blues

Who doesn’t love a great boogie or blues? This late elementary to intermediate collection includes 10 lively pieces full of swing rhythms, bluesy bass lines, and jazzy flair.

A few student favorites:

• Space Jive – Originally a multi-level ensemble, now available and arranged as a fun solo with a walking bass line, snaps (or fallboard taps!), and an upbeat melody.
• I Don’t Think So – A bluesy tune packed with attitude and a relaxed swing. Left-hand stays in C bass position, so students can focus on the right-hand licks.
• Rockin’ Blues – True to its name, this is a toe-tapping, early intermediate showstopper!
• Hot Pursuit – A cinematic, mysterious thriller of a piece featuring chromatic runs, jazzy chords, and rich harmonies. Think The Incredibles meets silent movie! (or the other way around.)

Tip! If you are planning a silent movie recital ANY of the pieces in this collection would work perfectly!

All pieces are available individually, but the full Boogies & Blues collection is so good, you’ll want them all!

Bonus: Free backing tracks are available on Susan’s website, perfect for student play-alongs.

Castle Tales, Volume 2

If you’re using my practice incentive program, The Magical Lute: A Musical Quest, you’ll definitely want to explore Susan’s Castle Tales series for recital pieces that match the fantasy theme.

A few standouts:

• The Battle Begins – Strong, tenuto-driven phrasing and a bold bass line set the tone. It shifts into a lyrical, expressive section that keeps the energy alive.
• Black Knight’s Ride – Flashy and fast, this piece sounds more challenging than it is thanks to repeating patterns, octave shifts, and crossovers. A guaranteed favorite!
• Story of True Love – A beautiful waltz with a sweet, singing melody that flows effortlessly. If you have students who love lyrical music, this one will speak to their hearts.

There are five volumes in the Castle Tales series. Volume 2 is ideal for late elementary to early intermediate students and includes a wide range of musical styles.

More to Explore

I wasn’t able to highlight her multi-level ensemble pieces, if you teach group classes or enjoy collaborative playing, definitely check them out. Susan has an excellent variety to explore.

In addition to composing, Susan runs a busy teaching studio. She has a real gift for creating music and educational materials that are fun, effective, and engaging. With over 30 years of diverse experience, from band directing to church music to private instruction, her music is full of heart, imagination, and story.

Be sure to visit her website to browse all she has to offer. Subscribe to her YouTube channel to hear more, including her pop arrangements, which you can find on Sheet Music Plus.

And don’t forget to grab her free gift and sign up for updates here!

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