Embedded Files
Susan Staples Bell, (ASCAP) is equal part composer and instructor, with her main focus of composition directed toward Piano teachers and their students. Her own Piano Studio is located in the San Antonio, Texas area. As a Music Educator in the areas of Band, Choir, Handbells, Piano, and Church work over the past 30 years; her varied musical experiences give her a fresh approach which she brings to each of her compositions. She strives to educate, as well as delight!
February 2022, Susan served as the judge for the Composition Division of the Raleigh Piano Teacher's Association in Raleigh, South Carolina.
Susan holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Music Education (Trinity University) and Music Composition (UT Austin). She is a member of Music Teachers National Association, San Antonio Music Teachers Association, NFMC, Crownridge Music Club and CASA (Composers Alliance of San Antonio).
There's so much more to discover:
There's so much more to discover:
Susan Staples Bell Music:
Susan Staples Bell Music:
visit https://www.susanstaplesbellmusic.com/
visit https://www.susanstaplesbellmusic.com/
Rockin’ Blues
Rockin’ Blues
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate. My Most Popular Composition!
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate. My Most Popular Composition!
Looking for an excuse to do your happy dance? Rockin’ Blues will get you on the floor! This original piano solo, by Susan Staples Bell, will be a crowd pleaser for sure! Written for Early Intermediate students, it is completely accessible- but it sounds so grown up! Piano techniques in this song range from glissandos, tremolos, repeated notes, and rocking motion. The Left hand gets to rock out in the boogie woogie swing style- moving hand positions in the typical 12 bar blues pattern. There’s even a rip roarin’ solo part that feels a little like Jerry Lee Lewis! You won’t be disappointed.
Time length. (01:07). Piano Solo for Early Intermediate students. Super fun song! Great for recitals!
Funky Gecko
Funky Gecko
Original Piano Solo. Intermediate.
Original Piano Solo. Intermediate.
What’s up, Dude? Looking for a new tune that’s FAR OUT? Give me some skin for Funky Gecko, an original Piano Solo by Susan Staples Bell, man! Can you dig it? This one is Dy-no-mite!
Introducing the student to iconic characteristics of the Funk genre with techniques like a strong bass line, syncopated melodies in the right hand, off-beat rhythmic punctuations, and grace notes in the solo section. Don’t freak out! You can get your groove on!
Time length. (02:20). Piano Solo for Intermediate students. So groovy, man.
Paseo del Rio, (a Tango)
Paseo del Rio, (a Tango)
Original Piano Solo for Intermediate to Early Advanced.
Original Piano Solo for Intermediate to Early Advanced.
From the Collection, Texas Landscapes
Take a stroll down the shady Riverwalk in San Antonio and you might catch a glimpse a mysterious dancer swaying to the beat as the old guitar player gently strums. Paseo del Rio will transport you there.
Susan Staples Bell has been a Piano Instructor for over 30 years. In all her compositions, she strives to educate as well as delight. Paseo del Rio is a fresh, updated Tango with a very expressive right hand melody set over a hip, syncopated ostinato. The B section contrasts with triplet and sixteenth note arpeggio runs that evoke images of a dancer’s movements. This piece will challenge your student to a new level of musical expression.
Perfect choice for recitals! Original Piano Solo
for Intermediate to Early Advanced. Performance time 02:18.
Greased Lightning.
Greased Lightning.
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Intermediate.
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Intermediate.
Do you have the need…the need for speed? Put the pedal to the metal, and burn some rubber with this arrangement of Greased Lightning by Susan Staples Bell.
Piano techniques in this song range from glissandos, tremolos, and repeated notes. But the big feature is the Left hand, who gets to rock out in octaves- a walking bass- boogie woogie style! There’s even a rip roarin’ solo section that feels a little like Jerry Lee Lewis! You won’t be disappointed.
Time length. (01:40). Piano Solo for Intermediate students. Super fun song! Great for recitals! It’s a crowd pleaser for sure!
Pleasant Grove
Pleasant Grove
Original Piano Solo. Intermediate.
Original Piano Solo. Intermediate.
From the Collection, Texas Landscapes
Wandering through memories and imaginings, Pleasant Grove explores our connection to the past: Longing to know the lives that came before.
Church bells chime in the distance on a foggy morning. Out of the mist emerges a young woman. Do you hear the mysterious melody she hums? Is it a song of sadness for the lost, or a bittersweet memory? Does a voice from the other side answer her?
Written in the somber key of Eb minor in 3/4 time; Pleasant Grove is a musical description of heart ache, loss, but also hope. Important Piano techniques paramount to playing this piece successfully are: shaping the melodic phrase, dynamics & artistic expression.
Pleasant Grove. Echoes from the Past. How will this piece speak to you?
Original Piano Solo for Intermediate level. Performance time 02:25.
Leap of Faith!
Leap of Faith!
Original Piano Solo. Late Elementary
Original Piano Solo. Late Elementary
Another original piano solo by Susan Staples Bell; Leap of Faith! will bring a smile to your face! Written for Late Elementary students, it is completely accessible- but it sounds so grown up! Possibly reminiscent of some 1980’s Rock anthems…
The Piano technique focus of this song is rhythm. The A section: measures 1 - 12 sets a tone of optimism for the song: You can do it! It looks tricky on the page, but it’s easily learned by rote. Also, the right hand chord pattern gives the student a chance to practice inter-voice finger changes. (C Major- C9, C Major, Csus, C Major) The B section: measures: 13 - 23, gives a nice contrast with a flowing eighth note pattern in the right hand. (make sure to follow the finger suggestions for ease of playing) And bonus! In measure 23, there’s foot stomping percussive part! You won’t be disappointed.
Time length. (01:28). Piano Solo for Late Elementary students. Great for recitals!
Butterflies for Jillian.
Butterflies for Jillian.
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate.
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate.
Have you ever lingered in the garden on a warm summer’s day, watching the butterflies as they flutter past? Butterflies for Jillian, an original composition by Susan Staples Bell will transport you there! Listen for the fluttering of the butterfly wings in the Left Hand figure that meanders through the piece. The right hand melody is reminiscent of innocent childhood days, long past. This piece is a lovely opportunity to teach melodic phrasing, left hand octave reaches, and ostinato patterns. It’s a petite jewel!
Time length. (01:19). Piano Solo for Early Intermediate students. Great piece for recitals!
Willow in the Wind.
Willow in the Wind.
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate
Original Piano Solo. Early Intermediate
Willow in the Wind is a petite jewel! An original composition by Susan Staples Bell, was written to inspire students to create a lovely musical picture, while at the same time exposing them to important piano techniques. The right hand chromatic scales describe the leaves of the tree gently swaying in the breeze. The left hand leaps and jazz chords depict a lazy Saturday afternoon. Can you hear the wind rustling the leaves in the Willow tree? Strive to make your audience hear it too.
Time length. (01:16). Piano Solo for Early Intermediate students. Great piece for recitals!
Piano Duets
Piano Duets
Old Time Rock & Roll.
Old Time Rock & Roll.
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Looking for a cute duet that will make you smile? You know the one!
This arrangement of Old Time Rock & Roll, by Susan Staples Bell, will be a crowd pleaser for sure! Written for Early Intermediate students, it is completely accessible. The challenge for Primo is the rhythm, but in exchange, they are only asked to move hand positions minimally. The Secondo gets to rock out in the boogie woogie style, moving hand positions in the typical 12 bar blues pattern. There’s even a little solo feature for Primo at measure 29 that feels a little like Jerry Lee Lewis! Give this a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Time length. (01:40). Piano Duet for Early Intermediate students. Great piece for recitals!
Don't Stop Believin'.
Don't Stop Believin'.
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Ready for a wild & crazy hair day? A-duh!! It’s all about the 80’s!
This arrangement of Don’t Stop Believin’, by Susan Staples Bell, is Totally Tubular, Dude! Written for Early Intermediate students- (Hang on- don’t freak out!) It is completely accessible for that level. The challenge for Primo is the syncopated rhythm, but in exchange, they are only asked to move hand positions minimally. The Secondo gets to rock out To the Max, with that iconic bass line! You’ll be singing along, for sure!
Time length. (02:00). Piano Duet for Early Intermediate students. Great piece for recitals!
Caprock Canyon.
Caprock Canyon.
Original Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands). Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate
Original Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands). Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate
From the Collection: Texas Landscapes
Caprock Canyon, will take you on a musical adventure! Describing the wide open spaces of the North Texas Panhandle- the true Old West. Majestic in nature, the music will make you feel like you are there.
Susan Staples Bell has been a Piano Instructor for over 30 years. In all her compositions, she strives to educate as well as delight. Caprock Canyon is written for Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate, where both players have a chance to share the melody. Several important Piano techniques presented are melodic phrasing & balance, syncopation, and tempo changes.
Perfect choice for recitals! Original Piano Duet (1 piano- 4 hand). Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate. Performance time 02:35.
Sweetwater Junction.
Sweetwater Junction.
Original Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands). Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate
Original Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands). Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate
From the Collection: Texas Landscapes
All Aboard for a musical adventure! Sweetwater Junction, will take you there! Capturing the feeling of the wide open spaces of West Texas, as seen from the innocent eyes of a young girl on her first train ride. Can you hear the rhythm of the tracks in the A theme? (measures 11 - 24) Her hopeful optimism in the B theme? (measures 26 - 41) And the train pulling into the Station? (measures 38-41) Strive to capture these emotions as you play.
Written for Evenly Leveled Early Intermediate, both players have a chance to share the melody. Several important Piano techniques presented are melodic phrasing & balance, syncopation, cross handed arpeggios, and tempo change.
Perfect choice for recitals! Original Piano Duet (1 piano- 4 hand). Performance time 01:50.
Christmas
Christmas
What Child is This?
What Child is This?
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Late Elementary
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Late Elementary
This lovely arrangement of "What Child is This?" is sure to impress at your next Christmas recital! This piece creates the mood of a mysterious, cold winter's night.
Completely accessible for the developing pianist at the Late Elementary level (2nd or 3rd year). This arrangement by Susan Staples Bell gives plenty of repetition to make the student feel secure, while challenging them with enough variety to make it interesting!
The melody is presented in the Right hand without elaboration, while providing attainable technical challenges in the Left hand. Although the student is asked to move positions in the Left hand, the musical patterns remain similar. In measure 25, broken and blocked versions of the same chord reinforce the student's knowledge of music theory, as well as the cross-hand arpeggios that occur several times in the piece.
Good King "What's His Name"?
Good King "What's His Name"?
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Early Intermediate
This creative piano solo arrangement of “Good King Wenceslas” is Stompin’ Fun! Interesting rhythm combinations and Medieval harmonies make this 13th Century tune sound jazzy: Sounds like dancin’!
The Piano technique focus of this piece is rhythm: The melody is transformed from the standard quarter note melody to a syncopated, jazzy one with an emphasis on beat two “and”. In the introduction, interlude, and coda sections there are occasional Time Meter changes from 4/4 to 3/4 and back again. These combinations of rhythm changes give the piece a dance-like feel.
Written in the key of G Major, it also feels the influence of G Aeolian mode. This modal feeling, along with the Open 5ths in the Left hand accompaniment give the piece that Medieval feel. Big dynamic contrasts lead the student to make expressive music!
You won’t be disappointed. Time length. (01:40). Piano Solo for Early Intermediate students.
Here We Come A-Caroling, it's Jazzy!
Here We Come A-Caroling, it's Jazzy!
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Early Intermediate.
Piano Solo. Arrangement. Early Intermediate.
Looking for a new arrangement of Here We Come A-Caroling, in a Jazzy style?
Here it is! Written for Early Intermediate, it is completely accessible, but sounds so grown up!
Piano techniques in this song range from glissandos and repeated notes, but the main feature asks the student for tempo & style change. The A section features the Left hand in a fast Boogie Woogie style pattern with straight eighth notes, then the B section switches to a Jazz Swing style- with a Walking Bass line. The second iteration of the B section gives the feeling of an improvised solo: Improvisation is an essential characteristic of Jazz. Perhaps you can take this “solo” as an inspiration, and make one up of your own! You won’t be disappointed.
Time length. (01:40). Piano Solo for Early Intermediate students. Great for recitals! Roughly equivalent to Elementary 2 (NFMC), Grade 2 (RCM), Elementary F (Guild), and Level 3 (SMP).
Baby, It's Cold Outside.
Baby, It's Cold Outside.
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Arrangement. Early Intermediate
Cute as a bug! This Piano Duet Arrangement of "Baby, It's Cold Outside", by Susan Staples Bell, is sure to please at your next recital! The melody is traded back and forth between each player, creating a musical conversation! Accessible rhythms and the simplified melody make this a fun piece for Early Intermediate players to share!
Ukrainian Bell Carol.
Ukrainian Bell Carol.
An Evenly Leveled Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands)
An Evenly Leveled Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands)
Arrangement. Late Elementary
Arrangement. Late Elementary
One of the most iconic Christmas carols, is sometimes better known as, the "Carol of the Bells".
This Evenly Leveled Piano Duet is perfect for the Late Elementary student. Repetition is the key to helping the student feel secure, while presenting some technical challenges like scales and cross handed arpeggios to provide interest.
This piece is sure to be a hit at your next Christmas recital!
We Three Kings.
We Three Kings.
Flute & Piano Duet. Arrangement.
Flute & Piano Duet. Arrangement.
Early intermediate
Early intermediate
This arrangement of "We Three Kings" by Susan Staples Bell, is a true even-leveled duet, with the melody passing between the players. It has enough style variation to keep everyone interested, and even shows off the flute just a bit! Perfect for your Worship service or next recital. Performance time is 2 minutes, 20 seconds.
Choral Music
Choral Music
Build Not Your Treasures on Earth
Build Not Your Treasures on Earth
For SATB & Piano
For SATB & Piano
By Susan Staples Bell
By Susan Staples Bell
Based on the scripture, Matthew 6: 19 - 21, this Susan Staples Bell original choral anthem is scored for SATB & Piano, and easily accessible for the average church choir. The thoughtful text encourages the listener to reflect. The jazz like choral harmonies and slight syncopation in the piano part bring the song to life.
Performance time 03:04.
God’s Amazing Grace
God’s Amazing Grace
For SATB & Piano
For SATB & Piano
By Susan Staples Bell
By Susan Staples Bell
This new Choral anthem is based on the favorite traditional hymn, with additional words and music, arranged by Susan Staples Bell. God’s Amazing Grace takes the traditional in a new direction with fresh harmonies, updated rhythms, and new words that proclaim the message of God’s Amazing Grace.
Scored for SATB & Piano, the piece is a setting of all 6 verses. Appropriate for any occasion in worship. Performance time 04:30.
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