Shelly Davis welcomes listeners to the Piano Parent Podcast and introduces the guest, Susan Staples Bell, setting the stage for their conver

Introduction and Welcome

Susan shares her early life story, adoption, and how piano lessons began, leading to a shift towards jazz.

Susan's Musical Roots

Susan discusses her experiences in junior high band, college music education, and pursuing a degree in music composition.

From Band to Composition

Susan explains how her passion for writing music developed and led to the creation of her piece 'Rock and Blues'.

The Spark of Composition

Susan talks about starting her publishing journey through Sheet Music Plus and later launching her own website.

Publishing and Digital Resources

Susan details her approach to composition, emphasizing melody, mood, and storytelling as key elements.

The Composer's Process

Discussion on Susan's multi-level ensemble pieces and the use of backing tracks to enhance practice.

Ensemble Music and Backing Tracks

Susan introduces her method books focused on teaching improvisation and chord progressions to students.

Developing Improvisation Skills

Susan emphasizes that music's power lies in its ability to convey human emotion and personal stories.

Connecting Music and Emotion

Concluding thoughts on the importance of diverse musical experiences and where listeners can find Susan's resources.

Conclusion and Resources

Susan Staples Bell discusses her musical journey, from childhood adoption to becoming a composer and educator. She shares insights on encouraging students' creativity through improvisation and composition, offering practical methods for par

Susan Staples Bell, a composer and music educator, shares her personal musical path, highlighting how a diverse background shaped her teaching philosophy. She emphasizes the importance of encouraging student creativity through improvisation and composition, offering practical methods from her "Exploring Improvisation" and "The Next Step in Your Creative Journey" books. Bell's approach focuses on making music engaging and accessible, whether through composing original pieces, arranging popular songs, or creating multi-level ensembles. Her work aims to support both students and teachers in fostering a lifelong love for music, making learning fun and adaptable to individual interests.

Creative Musical Expression

Practical Teaching Methods

Musical Journey and Identity

Enriching the Learning Environment

Key Idea 1

The Newsworthy breaks down the day's top stories in less than 15 minutes, and gives you some lighter conversation starters along the way.

The Newsworthy

So I have a, a method book called Exploring Improvisation, and speaking of that little rainstorm, that's in there.

Exploring Improvisation

So I have a book that I, I, the next step in your creative journey, and it's 30 different skills that you need to compose.

The Next Step in Your Creative Journey

So that's how Rock and Blues was born. And actually, it's been played in about eight different talent shows. Not, not only my students, but other people write to me and said, "Oh goodness, it brought

Rock and Blues

I was able to interview Marvin Blickenstaff several years ago now, and he said, "What is music if it's not a human emotion?"

Marvin Blickenstaff

Bridging Classical and Contemporary Styles

The Role of Composition in Developing Musicianship

Search "The Newsworthy" wherever you're listening now, and follow or subscribe to "The Newsworthy" today.

So that's how Rock and Blues was born. And actually, it's been played in about eight different talent shows.

Hi there,

This week on the Piano Parent Podcast, we have a truly special guest, Susan Staples Bell. Susan is a composer and music educator whose own fascinating life journey has shaped her unique approach to teaching piano and fostering creativity in young musicians.

We explore how her diverse musical background – from early piano lessons and jazz improvisation to band directing – has equipped her with practical methods for encouraging students to compose and improvise. Susan believes music is a powerful tool for self-expression, and she shares insights from her popular method books that can help your child find their own musical voice.

If you're looking for ways to make music lessons more engaging, foster genuine creativity, and build your child's confidence, you'll want to hear this conversation.

Listen now to discover how to unlock your child's inner composer!

[Link to Episode]

Dear Susan,

It was an absolute honor having you on the Piano Parent Podcast this week! Your story is so inspiring, and the practical advice you shared on fostering creativity through composition and improvisation is exactly what our listeners need.

I've already heard from a few listeners who are excited to explore your method books. If you have any specific links you'd like me to include in our follow-up communications or social media posts about the episode, please let me know!

Thank you again for sharing your gift with our community.

Warmly,
Shelly Davis
Piano Parent Podcast

A big thank you from the Piano Parent Podcast!

Hi Susan,

Just wanted to send a quick note to say how much I enjoyed our conversation on the podcast. Your journey from adoption to becoming a celebrated composer and educator is truly remarkable, and your passion for making music education accessible shines through.

We've just published the episode and would be so grateful if you'd consider sharing it with your own network. Here’s the link:
[EPISODE_URL]

Feel free to use any of the social media graphics or quotes we discussed. Your expertise is a treasure, and I know your audience will love hearing your insights.

Thanks again for being such a wonderful guest!

Best,
Shelly Davis
Piano Parent Podcast

Loved our chat! Sharing your episode of the Piano Parent Podcast.

Dear Susan,

I hope you're having a wonderful week!

Our episode featuring your insights on fostering musical creativity has been incredibly well received. Many listeners have reached out, particularly interested in your approach to bridging classical music with popular styles and improvisation.

This has sparked an idea: Perhaps we could collaborate again in the future? Maybe a special LinkedIn Live event or a follow-up podcast focusing specifically on "Creative Composition for Busy Parents" or "Making Improvisation Fun for Kids"? I think your expertise would resonate even further.

Let me know if this is something that might interest you down the line. In the meantime, thank you again for making the Piano Parent Podcast a richer place.

Sincerely,
Shelly Davis
Piano Parent Podcast

Following up: Your Piano Parent Podcast Episode + A Future Idea?

Curious about how to spark your child's inner composer or improviser? Join us for an exclusive live Q&A session with celebrated composer and educator Susan Staples Bell. Susan will share practical insights drawn from her own rich musical journey—from her experiences with adoption and diverse musical explorations to her success in developing engaging composition methods for young musicians.

This is your opportunity to ask your pressing questions about:
* Fostering creativity in piano students.
* Practical improvisation techniques.
* Integrating classical music with popular styles.
* Using composition to build confidence and self-expression.

If you are a parent or teacher committed to nurturing a child's love for music and their creative potential, this event is not to be missed.

**RSVP today to reserve your spot and transform your music education strategies!**

Live Q&A: Unlocking Musical Creativity with Composer Susan Staples Bell

In this inspiring episode of the Piano Parent Podcast, host Shelly Davis sits down with celebrated composer and music educator Susan Staples Bell. Susan shares her remarkable personal journey, from being adopted to becoming a prolific composer and a passionate advocate for creative music education.

Discover practical strategies to help your child unlock their musical potential through improvisation and composition. Susan offers insights from her acclaimed method books and discusses how a diverse musical background can enrich teaching and learning.

**Topics Covered:**
* Susan's personal musical path and inspirations
* The importance of composition and improvisation for young musicians
* Practical tips for parents and teachers
* Connecting music to storytelling and emotion
* Fostering a lifelong love for music

**Timestamps:**
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:12 Susan's Musical Roots
00:23 From Band to Composition
00:30 The Spark of Composition
00:38 Publishing and Digital Resources
00:48 The Composer's Process
01:01 Ensemble Music and Backing Tracks
01:11 Developing Improvisation Skills
01:20 Connecting Music and Emotion
01:28 Conclusion and Resources

**Connect with Susan Staples Bell:**
[Link to Susan's website or resources]

**Connect with the Piano Parent Podcast:**
[Link to Piano Parent Podcast website/socials]

#MusicEducation #PianoLessons #Composer #SusanStaplesBell #MusicForKids #CreativeKids #Improvisation #PianoTeacher #Parenting

Unlock Your Child's Inner Composer: Susan Staples Bell on Creativity & Piano Lessons

So it's much harder to write music and then try to figure out what you're trying to say. Yes. Figure out what you want to

I identify with those bored students because that was me, you know, "I don't want to play that classical music."

So I try to constantly bring those instruments in to make band more i- more meaningful, but also to make piano more important because we're

What makes piano lessons finally click for a child? In Episode 376, composer and teacher Susan Staples Bell shares how jazz, improvisation, and storytelling transformed her own musical journey — and how those same tools can help your child fall in love with piano. If your student feels bored, stuck, or unmotivated, this conversation offers practical encouragement and creative ideas to reignite their spark. Sometimes the breakthrough isn't more practice — it's a new approach. Learn more at www.PianoParentPodcast.com/376

Music with Susan Staples Bell

...helping parents support their piano kids and make the most of piano lessons.

The Piano Parent Podcast is your one-stop shop for all things related to parenting a piano student. From practice tips to piano geography in musical terms, common studio practices to teacher and parent interviews, this is THE best resource to help you and your piano kid make the most of piano lessons. Whether you are a knowledgeable musician or a complete novice, there is definitely something for you here. 

Shelly Davis

Piano Parent Podcast

Books & Resources

PPP 376: When Piano Lessons Click: Jazz, Storytelling, and Helping Kids Fall in Love with Music with Susan Staples Bell

Guest spotlight