Laura's Music Studio

Laura’s Music Studio Newsletter - Paid Subscription Giveaway: Winner!

2026-04-07T00:30:00.002-05:00

Drumroll, please! I am pleased to announce the randomly chosen winner of a free yearly paid subscription to my Substack newsletter: virjones. You’ve been notified of your win!

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Laura’s Music Studio Newsletter - Paid Subscription Giveaway

2026-03-31T00:30:00.003-05:00

Photo by Bruno Croci on Unsplash

I am giving away a free yearly paid subscription to my Substack newsletter. What does a paid subscription get you? All the perks of a free subscription (a monthly newsletter) plus free sheet music for piano and guitar.

Enter by April 6, 2026 (11:59 pm Central Time).

To enter, sign up for a free subscription to my newsletter here. One winner will be chosen at random from my free subscribers and will be contacted directly on April 7, 2026.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

My Sheet Music

2026-03-24T00:30:00.003-05:00

I’ve composed over 70 pieces for piano players and guitar players. The pieces range from a beginner level to an advanced level.
You can find all of them here.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 6

2026-03-17T00:30:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the final post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. The Sixth Suite in D major, BWV 1012, is the virtuosic climax of Bach’s solo cello cycle. Originally composed for a five-stringed instrument, likely the violoncello piccolo, its expanded range allows for a radiant, soprano register. This provides a triumphant contrast to the darker Fifth Suite. The opening prelude is a masterclass in momentum, using rapid-fire bariolage and compound meters to create a sense of boundless, joyful energy that defines the D major tonality.

Following traditional Baroque dance structures, the suite pushes every movement to its expressive limit. The allemande is notably ornate, while the sarabande uses dense double-stops to create a rich, organ-like texture. By the final gigue, Bach fully transforms the cello from a supportive continuo role into a powerful solo voice. The work remains a technical summit, demanding both orchestral grandeur and intimate prayer from the performer across its expansive, sophisticated emotional landscape.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 6 with your students, here are some lesson plans to do that.

- D Major: The "Triumphant" Key
Objective: Explore "Affekt" (the Baroque idea that specific keys represent specific emotions). Activity: Listen to the 6th Suite (D Major) and the 5th Suite (C Minor). Have students create a "color palette" for each key based on the emotions they feel.

- Baroque Dance: The Gavotte
Objective: Connect musical suites to historical social dances. Activity: The Gavotte is famous for starting on the "half-measure" (upbeat). Have students clap on beats 3 and 4 while listening to Gavotte I to find the "step." Fast-forward to 21:31 to see/hear the Gavottes on a period instrument.

- Ornamentation: The Allemande "Swirl"
Objective: See how Baroque composers "decorated" a simple melody. Activity: Show students a "bare bones" scale, then play the Allemande. Have them draw "curlicues" on paper every time they hear a melodic flourish.

- Binary Form (A-A-B-B)
Objective: Identify the structural "blueprint" of Baroque dance movements. Activity: Use the Courante. Give students "A" and "B" cards. Have them hold up "A" during the first half and "B" when the music shifts to the second half.

- Modern Remix: From Cello to Marimba
Objective: Explore how music changes when the instrument changes (timbre). Activity: Listen to a movement played on a cello, then on a marimba or electric guitar. Discuss which version feels more "modern."

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 5

2026-03-10T00:30:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the fifth post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. The 5th Cello Suite is widely considered the most somber and profound of the six suites, characterized by its intense emotional weight. Unique among the set, Bach originally composed the work using scordatura, instructing the cellist to tune the top string down a whole step to G to create a darker, more resonant tonal quality. This technical choice allows for complex chords that would otherwise be impossible, lending the piece a haunting, lute-like texture.

The Prelude is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, beginning with a slow, regal introduction before erupting into a rigorous and complex four-voice fugue. At the suite's heart lies the Sarabande, a famously minimalist movement that consists of a single melodic line devoid of any chords, evoking a sense of profound solitude. Together, these elements make the Fifth Suite a stark departure from the brightness of the earlier works, offering instead a deeply introspective exploration of grief and transcendence.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 5 with your students, here are some lesson plans to do that.

- The Challenges of Scordatura
This lesson explores how the "mismatch" of tuning (A string down to G) affects a cellist's muscle memory and the instrument's physics. It is ideal for discussing adaptability and the science of string tension.

- The Anna Magdalena Manuscript
A primary source study focusing on the only surviving manuscript for the suites. This is a great exercise in historical literacy and handwriting analysis.

- The French Style and "Over-Dotting"
This lesson focuses on the cultural exchange between Germany and France, specifically how the "dotted" rhythms in the 5th Suite emulate the royal French Overture.

- Comparative Transcription (Cello vs. Lute)
Compare Bach’s own version for cello with his transcription for lute (BWV 995). This helps students understand how a composer adapts the same "idea" for different instruments.

- Scordatura vs. Standard Tuning
A debate-style lesson where students weigh the pros and cons of using Bach's original "mistuning" versus modern standard tuning.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 4

2026-03-03T00:30:00.016-06:00

Welcome to the fourth post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. The suite is defined by a majestic, architectural quality that challenges even the most seasoned performers. Because E-flat Major offers few opportunities for open strings to resonate, the music possesses a "closed," darker, and more opaque tone color than the other suites. This requires the cellist to navigate cramped hand positions while maintaining the sprawling arpeggios that characterize the opening Prelude.

The Fourth Suite is distinguished by its intellectual depth and the almost architectural scale of its six movements. Unlike the more melodic preceding suites, its Prelude is built on massive, descending broken chords that create a sense of vast, open space. The emotional core is found in the Sarabande, which is unusually long and harmonically dense, offering a more serious and introspective atmosphere than the dance movements found elsewhere in the set. Even the more lighthearted Bourrées and the final Gigue maintain a level of technical complexity and rhythmic rigor that sets this work apart. The suite concludes with a virtuosic, hunt-like finale in 12/8 time that demands incredible physical stamina from the performer. This combination of structural grandeur and tonal difficulty makes the Fourth Suite a unique "mountain" in the Baroque repertoire.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 4 with your students, here are some lesson plans to do that.

- Harmonic Pillars
This advanced lesson treats the Prelude as an architectural feat. Students use harmonic reduction to see how Bach outlines complex chord progressions through a single melodic line.

- The Anatomy of a Sarabande
This lesson focuses on the 4th Suite's Sarabande, which is unique for its rhythmic ambiguity. Students identify how Bach subverts the traditional "stressed second beat" of the Baroque dance.

- Mathematical Meter and the 12/8 Gigue
Using the final movement, students study compound meter. The lesson explores how Bach maintains a driving, virtuosic pulse while managing complex subdivisions.

- Interpretive Critical Listening
Students listen to three distinct recordings (e.g., the early recordings of Casals, the Baroque-style of Bylsma, and a modern interpretation like Yo-Yo Ma) to compare tempo and phrasing.

- Transcription and Adaptation
This lesson explores why the 4th Suite is frequently transcribed for other instruments like the viola, lute, or guitar, and how changing the instrument changes the "feel" of the E-flat key.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 3

2026-02-24T00:30:00.012-06:00

Welcome to the third post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. Composed around 1720 in the secular court of Köthen, the third suite captures Bach at a moment of rare creative freedom, unburdened by church duties.

Musically, it is distinguished by its resonant, "open" architecture. Because it is set in C Major, the cello's lowest string (the C string) acts as a powerful tonic drone, allowing for a sonorous, bell-like clarity that the darker, minor-key suites lack. The Prelude is a masterpiece of pedal points and cascading scales that showcase the instrument's physical range.

Historically, the suite's "distinctness" was misunderstood for centuries. It was long dismissed as a dry, mechanical exercise for building finger strength. Its transformation from a dusty pedagogical tool to a celebrated concert staple highlights a shift in musical values: we moved from seeing Bach’s work as mere "math" to recognizing it as the height of solo expression.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 3 with your students, here are some lesson plans to do that.

- The Physics of the "C": Acoustics & Resonance
Objective: Understand how the C-major key utilizes the cello’s physical properties.
Activity: Use a visualizer to show how the open C-string creates sympathetic vibrations in the other strings.
Science Link: Discuss frequency and the "harmonic series."

- The Anatomy of the Prelude: The Power of the Scale
Objective: Identify the structural "bones" of the opening movement.
Activity: Map the opening downward scale. Have students draw the "shape" of the melody as they listen.

- Dance Forms of the Baroque
Objective: Distinguish between the Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Bourrée, and Gigue.
Activity: Watch videos of period-accurate Baroque dance. How does the rhythm of the music dictate the movement of the body?

- The Bourrée: Symmetry and Rhythmical "Hooks"
Objective: Focus on the most famous movement of Suite No. 3.
Activity: Identify the "AABB" binary form. Have students clap the syncopated rhythm of the Bourrée I.

- The Sarabande: The Emotional Core
Objective: Analyze the shift in tempo and "weight" in the suite's slowest movement.
Activity: Discuss the history of the Sarabande (once banned for being "indecent") and how Bach transformed it into a meditative prayer.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
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The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 2

2026-02-17T00:30:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the second post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. I found it interesting how Siblin contrasts the "sunshine" of the First Suite with the "shadows" of the Second, and that he suggests that the D minor key of Suite No. 2 acts as a musical tomb for Bach's first wife, Maria Barbara.

Another point that I found intriguing was that by writing these suites, Bach was essentially a pioneer, treating the cello like a "baritone master" capable of carrying a melody and a harmony simultaneously. This "elevation" of the instrument mirrors Casals’ own lifelong mission to prove the cello’s worth to the world.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 2 with your students, here are some resources to do that.

- The Historical "Tobacco-Colored" Sound: Pablo Casals: Siblin focuses heavily on the "aura" of this specific recording. It sounds "crackly" and old, which adds to the sense of historical mystery. Play the Sarabande. Ask students to describe the "weight" of the sound. Does it sound like someone mourning? Compare this to a modern, cleaner version to discuss how technology and time change our perception of art.
- Comparing the "Second Hand" Manuscript: IMSLP: This is the primary source Siblin mentions. Since Bach’s original is lost, this copy by his wife is the closest we have. Show the PDF on the board. Point out the lack of "road signs"—there are no instructions for how fast or loud to play. Ask students: "If you were the cellist, how would you know where the 'sad' parts are if the author didn't tell you?"
- Yo-Yo Ma: "We live in a time that feels fractured, and Bach is a unifying factor": Yo-Yo Ma explains the physical demands of the suites and how Bach treated the cello as a "multi-voiced" instrument.
- The "Benjamin Zander" Interpretive Masterclass: Ben Zander is a world-renowned conductor known for his "TED-talk style" breakdowns of music. In this video lesson, he explains the "architecture" of the D Minor Prelude.
- "Fugue for Thought" Narrative Guide: This blog provides a "layman’s" narrative of the entire suite. It avoids overly dense jargon and uses evocative language like "stormy," "melancholy," and "shadowy." Have students read the description of the Courante (the "angry, stormier affair"). Ask students to find three adjectives the author uses to describe the music and compare them to the adjectives Siblin uses in Chapter 2.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
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The Cello Suites - Reading Together - Suite No. 1

2026-02-10T00:30:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the first post discussing The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. I’m intrigued by the structure that Siblin employs to explore Bach’s cello suites. Siblin weaves together three centuries: Bach’s experience in the 1700s, Pablo Casals’ 1890 discovery of the "tobacco-colored" scores in Barcelona, and Siblin’s own modern-day obsession. By mirroring the six-movement structure of a classical suite, the prose actually "performs" the music it describes.

Through the lens of a fan's "magnificent obsession," Chapter 1 transforms the cello from a lowly background instrument into a vessel for universal human emotion. It’s a detective story, a biography, and a memoir all tuned to the vibrant, optimistic key of G Major.

If you want to dive deeper into Suite No. 1 with your students, here are some resources to do that.

- All of Bach - Suite No. 1: It includes a "behind the music" video where the musician discusses the "apparent inconsistency" of the manuscripts and the emotional transparency of the G major key. It’s perfect for visual learners and for showing the "detective work" involved in interpreting old texts.
- Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance Teaching Plan: While designed for music students, its sections on "Expression" and "Analysis" are excellent for cross-curricular teaching. It discusses how Bach uses "compositional secrets" to create tension and release, very similar to how you might analyze narrative tension in a novel.
- The Strad: "Four Insights on the Prelude": It provides high-level "literary" descriptions of the music. For instance, Antoine Tamestit describes the G-Major tonality as the color blue, suggesting "hope" and "fluidity." This is a great resource for a creative writing exercise or a lesson on mood and tone.
- "The Bach Cello Suite No. 1 Study Book" by Cassia Harvey: It breaks the piece down into "digestible exercises." In a classroom setting, you can use these excerpts to show how a complex masterpiece is actually a collection of small, repeating patterns, much like motifs in a poem.
- Inbal Segev’s Masterclass Series (YouTube): Her "Musings with Inbal" series treats the music as a conversation. She discusses the harmonic structure and the history of the manuscripts (including Anna Magdalena Bach). These videos are short and "snackable," making them ideal for bell-ringer activities or 15-minute lesson segments.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
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The Cello Suites - Reading Together

2026-02-03T00:30:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the newest Reading Together series. I'll be posting a summary about our reading each week on Tuesdays. Come join us!

We'll be reading The Cello Suites by Eric Siblin. You can get a copy from your local library, or pick up a copy from Bookshop.

We'll read one chapter a week.
I'll post about the first installment on Tuesday, February 10. That means you have one week to get a copy of the book and to read the first chapter.

The great thing about this program is that it allows us to read works together that can help us in our professional development, as well as providing a level of accountability and the added interest of comparing notes as we read together.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

My Piano and Guitar Books

2026-01-27T00:30:00.002-06:00

I have published five books of piano music. They are available as printed and bound books through Amazon.

Each book has 10 to 13 original pieces or arrangements and each book is geared towards a specific ability level (beginner, intermediate, and late intermediate).

Book 1 titles: Jase’s Song, Olivia’s Song, Summer Memories, All in a Garden Green, Largo from Concerto in D Major, Drunken Sailor, Avondale, Snowfall, The Skye Boat Song, Ballyshannon, When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Bonny Kate

Book 2 titles: Annie Laurie, Flow Gently, Sweet Afton, Rain Drops, Autumn Waltz, Clouds and Sunshine, Admiral Gambier's Waltz, Follow Me Down to Carlow, Alice's Song, Down by the Sally Gardens, My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose

Book 3 titles: Avery's Song, Morning Has Broken, Winter: Largo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Day by Day, Be Still My Soul, Now Thank We All Our God, A Prelude in B Minor, A Chromatic Boogie, Stormy Sky, Celtic Reflections, Greensleeves, Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming, Wings of the Morning

Piano Seasons: 12 piano solos for the intermediate piano player. Selections from different seasons of the year. Titles include: Apples in Winter, Cold Frosty Morning, Like a River Glorious, Savannah's Song, Castle Donovan, At the Fair, Oranges and Lemons, Dancing Leaves, Der Mond Ist Aufgegangen (The Moon Has Risen), Leise Rieselt Der Schnee (The Snow Falls Softly), O Du Frohliche, and The Wexford Carol.

Piano Escapades Book 1: 13 Elementary Piano Solos.

Titles: Blue Bells of Scotland, Rainy Day, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bison Stomp, The Boar Head's Carol, Flight, The Water is Wide, Christmas Lights, Early One Morning, Largo from Concerto in D Major by Antonio Vivaldi, Green Leaves, Sakura Sakura, The Parting Glass.

I also have published one book of guitar music.

Acoustic Guitar Adventures: 9 Beginner Guitar Solos.

Titles: Minuet in G Major (from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach), Sonatina in C by Muzio Clementi, Guitar Etude in E Minor, My Grandfather’s Clock, Silent Night for Guitar, Minuet (from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach), Cantabile from Vivaldi's "Il Gardellino”, Ständchen from Schubert's Schwangesang for Guitar, and Early One Morning (for flute and guitar)

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Now Looking for ... Guest Bloggers!

2026-01-20T00:30:00.002-06:00

Do you have a passion for teaching music? Are you eager to share your unique insights and perspectives with a wider audience? I’m seeking talented and engaging guest bloggers to contribute to Laura’s Music Studio. If you're an expert in your field, a skilled writer, and excited to connect with our community, I invite you to submit a guest post proposal. Here is a platform to showcase your expertise, build your online presence, and contribute to valuable discussions within music education.

How do you get started?
I'm looking for blog posts relating to music education, piano lessons, guitar lessons, and studio management.
Each blog post should include the following:
- a well-written post about a topic in one of the four categories listed above
- about 200-300 words

To submit your post, you can email me at pianolessonsmn dot gmail dot com.
I do reserve the right to choose whether to post your submission or not. You will be notified of my decision and, if it will be posted, also of when your post will be up on my blog.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Become a Sponsor

2026-01-13T00:30:00.002-06:00

Advertise with the Laura's Music Studio!
Looking for an opportunity to increase your web traffic & sales? Consider becoming a sponsor of Laura's Music Studio.

About Us
Laura's Music Studio is dedicated to providing ideas and resources to aid both classroom and private music teachers in their teaching. We highlight new ideas, print and online resources, as well as new materials.

Why Advertise with Laura's Music Studio?
Readers of Laura's Music Studio primarily consist of music teachers and music studio owners. They are seeking new ideas to encourage ongoing creativity and development for their students.

Advertising on Laura's Music Studio is a great way to introduce your products/services to music educators around the world. Businesses who advertise on our site experience a lot of success because they are able to get their products in front of a lot of music educators.

Advertisement Placement & Pricing
Laura's Music Studio offers banner advertisement on a monthly basis with a first-time minimum purchase of two months. Ads are 300 x 100 pixels & are located on the right-hand side of Laura's Music Studio. There are three price points available. Email us at piano.lessons.mn@gmail.com for current rates.

Please note that upon signing up for a three month banner campaign with us, you will receive one free 'Sponsor Introduction' post. You also then become eligible to participate in the giveaways we host on our site. More about giveaways below!

Giveaways
Giveaways are a wonderful way to grab our reader's attention and drive some serious traffic to your site! Our giveaways have been incredibly successful. Have a product or service that you would like to give away on our site? Please send us an email at piano.lessons.mn@gmail.com for consideration. And we will send you our current rates.

Again, if you have purchased a banner advertisement with us, there is no fee to participate in giveaways. However, if you aren't a monthly sponsor, there is a cost associated to the giveaways we host.

To request a media kit with our current advertising rates, please send us an email at piano.lessons.mn@gmail.com. Traffic information also available.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Embark on a Musical Adventure

2026-01-06T00:30:00.003-06:00

Are you ready to explore the captivating world of classical music from the comfort of your own home? Whether you're a budding musician or simply curious to learn more, these five online classes offer a fantastic journey through some of the most iconic pieces ever composed. From the royal barges of the River Thames to the thunderous battlefields of Russia, there's a musical story waiting for you.

1. A Royal Celebration: Handel’s Water Music
Step back in time to the 18th century with a 4-week online class dedicated to George Frideric Handel’s magnificent Water Music. Originally composed for a royal concert on the River Thames, this piece is a cornerstone of the Baroque era. In this course, you will not only listen to the enchanting melodies but also delve into the history and musical structures that make this work a masterpiece. Designed for students with a 6th-grade reading and writing level, the class provides all the necessary activity sheets. While assignments are optional, they are highly encouraged to get the most out of the experience. You'll engage with the music through listening, watching related videos, reading short descriptions, and even tackling some creative projects.

2. A Journey of Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Prepare to be moved by the power and passion of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This self-paced, 4-week online class is a deep dive into one of the most famous and influential pieces in the history of Western music. You'll explore the symphony's four movements, learn about the life of Beethoven, and gain an understanding of musical composition and analysis. This course, designed for ages 12-15, offers flexibility with pre-recorded lessons and a full year of access to the content, along with four weeks of dedicated teacher support. Optional assignments, including listening, watching videos, and creative projects, will enhance your understanding and appreciation of this monumental work, culminating in the iconic "Ode to Joy."

3. A Blast of Victory: Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture
Experience the explosive energy of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture in this immersive musical journey. This class explores how Tchaikovsky used a full orchestra—and even real cannons—to commemorate Russia's defense against Napoleon's invading army. Students will trace the narrative of the battle through the music, identifying themes from the French national anthem and traditional Russian hymns. By studying the historical context and the dramatic "leitmotifs" used throughout the piece, learners will gain a new perspective on one of the most recognizable and exciting finales in classical music.

4. A Cosmic Excursion: Holst’s The Planets
Blast off on an artistic and musical journey with a self-paced class on Gustav Holst's The Planets. This unique 4-week course combines the auditory magic of Holst's orchestral suite with creative expressions. Explore the suite's unique instrumentation, astronomical inspirations, and the evocative moods of each movement—from the menacing "Mars" to the ethereal "Neptune."

5. A Story in Sound: Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf
Discover how music can tell a story in this engaging, self-paced class on Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. This 4-week musical journey, suitable for ages 12-15, introduces students to the instruments of the orchestra through the unforgettable characters and narrative of this beloved symphonic fairy tale. Through pre-recorded lessons and teacher support, students will learn how Prokofiev used different instruments to represent Peter, the bird, the duck, the cat, the wolf, and the hunters. The course includes listening activities, video explorations, and a creative project, all designed to deepen the understanding of musical themes and storytelling in music.

Whether you're looking to understand the classics on a deeper level or introduce a young learner to the wonders of orchestral music, these online classes provide an accessible and engaging way to connect with these timeless masterpieces.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Best of Laura's Music Studio 2025

2025-12-30T00:30:00.003-06:00

Here are the most popular posts posted on this blog in 2025. A few posts you may have missed, so check them out.

- My Sheet Music

- Holst's Cosmos and Prokofiev's Fairytale: 2 Online Courses

- Now Looking for ... Guest Bloggers!

- My Piano and Guitar Books

- Competitions and Performance Opportunities - Winter and Spring 2026

Happy New Year, dear readers!

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

A Year of Music: 12 New Pieces Await

2025-12-23T00:30:00.003-06:00

Tired of the same old music? Craving fresh inspiration? Subscribe to the paid version of Laura’s Music Studio Newsletter today and receive a brand new sheet music piece for piano or guitar delivered straight to your inbox every month! Whether you're a beginner looking to expand your repertoire or an experienced musician seeking new challenges, you'll find a treasure trove of original compositions to explore. You can find more details here.

Laura's Music Studio Newsletter

2025-12-16T00:30:00.002-06:00

Sign up for my free monthly newsletter! Here's what you can expect from this newsletter: links and ideas to improve your musicianship and your teaching abilities. Plus, the occasional discounts on a variety of e-guides and online courses. Sign up here.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Winter Music Resources

2025-12-09T00:30:00.003-06:00

Looking for some winter activities for your music studio?

Here are some ideas:
Snowman Music Flash Cards
Vivaldi’s Winter
The Winter Fairy Song
Winter Games to Play in the Elementary Music Room
Winter: Music, Literacy, and More!
Wizards in Winter Rhythm Activity

Looking for some winter-themed sheet music? Check out the pieces below.
Sheet Music - Snowfall (for late elementary piano)
Sheet Music - Apples in Winter (for early intermediate piano)
Sheet Music - Vivaldi's Winter Largo (for early intermediate piano)

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Christmas Activities

2025-12-02T00:30:00.003-06:00

Looking for some Christmas activities for your music studio? Here are some ideas:

Christmas Sheet Music Projects
Christmas Music Activities
More Christmas Music Activities
Christmas Activities - Part 3

Looking for some Christmas sheet music? Check out the pieces below.

Silent Night for Guitar (beginner)
The Boar Head’s Carol (for elementary piano)
Christmas Lights (for late elementary piano)
Snowfall (for late elementary piano)
The Wexford Carol (for early intermediate piano)
Leise Rieselt Der Schnee (The Snow Falls Softly) (for intermediate piano)
Greensleeves (for late intermediate piano)
O Du Fröhliche (O Thou Joyful) (for late intermediate piano)
Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming (for early advanced piano)

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Charity Highlight - Guitars 4 Vets

2025-11-25T00:30:00.003-06:00

During the month of November, I am highlighting different charities that are somehow involved with music.

The next charity I want to highlight is Guitars 4 Vets. This organization enhances the lives of ailing and injured military veterans by providing them with free guitars and music instruction. It uses the healing power of music to help veterans cope with physical injuries and emotional distress, particularly PTSD.

If you want to donate or get involved, check out the link above.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Charity Highlight - Jazz Foundation of America

2025-11-18T00:30:00.003-06:00

During the month of November, I am highlighting different charities that are somehow involved with music.

The next charity I want to highlight is Jazz Foundation of America. This organization is dedicated to providing housing assistance, pro bono medical care, disaster relief, and direct financial support to jazz, blues, and roots musicians, helping them navigate crises and continue their careers.

If you want to donate or get involved, check out the link above.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Charity Highlight - Playing For Change Foundation

2025-11-11T00:30:00.002-06:00

During the month of November, I am highlighting different charities that are somehow involved with music.

The next charity I want to highlight is Playing For Change Foundation. Growing from the popular "Songs Around the World" video series, this foundation builds and supports music and arts schools for children in communities around the globe, from Africa to Latin America and beyond.

If you want to donate or get involved, check out the link above.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Charity Highlight - Music Will

2025-11-04T00:30:00.003-06:00

During the month of November, I am highlighting different charities that are somehow involved with music.

The first charity I want to highlight is Music Will. This organization transforms music education by focusing on student-centered, popular music genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop. They provide instruments and a modern curriculum to schools, empowering children to play the music they know and love.

If you want to donate or get involved, check out the link above.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Laura’s Music Studio Newsletter - Paid Subscription Giveaway: Winner!

2025-10-28T00:30:00.005-05:00

Photo by Bruno Croci on Unsplash

Drumroll, please! I am pleased to announce the randomly chosen winner of a free yearly paid subscription to my Substack newsletter: aly_piano. You’ve been notified of your win!

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.

Laura’s Music Studio Newsletter - Paid Subscription Giveaway

2025-10-21T00:30:00.002-05:00

Photo by Bruno Croci on Unsplash
I am giving away a free yearly paid subscription to my Substack newsletter. What does a paid subscription get you? All the perks of a free subscription (a monthly newsletter) plus free sheet music for piano and guitar.

Enter by October 27, 2025 (11:59 pm Central Time).

To enter, sign up for a free subscription to my newsletter here. One winner will be chosen at random from my free subscribers and will be contacted directly on October 28, 2025.

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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.