How to Choose the Best Halloween Piano Music for Your Students 🎃
Every September (let’s be real - sometimes in August!) piano teachers start searching for the perfect Halloween piano music. But with so many options out there, how do you know which pieces will actually work in your studio?
Take it from someone who has over FIFTY Halloween and fall piano pieces in my computer, and countless more that I have taught through sheet music and books - a few reminders will help all of us with our music shopping.
Whether you’re planning for a recital, group class, or just want to add some seasonal fun to lessons, here are 8 teacher-tested tips to help you shop smart and build a collection your students will love.
1. Start With Coffee ☕
Let’s be honest: every good music shopping trip starts with caffeine. Enough said.
2. Read the Description Carefully 👀
Don’t waste money on music that doesn’t fit your students. The best sheet music will clearly explain:
The level (pre-reading, beginner, elementary, etc.)
The skills reinforced (hand position, rhythm, staff reading, etc.)
A short description of the style and feel of the piece
If you can’t find that info, move on to something else.
3. Look for Solos That Double as Duets 👯
Save money and get more flexibility by choosing pieces that can work as solos and duets. This way you can adapt them for different situations — individual lessons, sibling duets, or even ensemble fun.
This is where studio-licensed music is a huge WIN! Buy it once, print as many copies as you need, for the students you teach, FOREVER!
👉 Example: Have You Seen the Ghost of John?
4. Listen Before You Buy 👂
Always check audio or video samples. This gives you a quick sense of how engaging the music will be for your students — and whether you’ll enjoy teaching it.
5. Choose Music That Can Be a Game 🎃
If you can turn a piece into a game or activity, your students will be hooked. Think call-and-response patterns, movement activities, or quick rhythm games.
👉 Try this playful option: Pass the Pumpkin
6. Balance Scary With Non-Scary 😳
Not every student loves spooky music. Be sure to include at least one non-scary piece in your collection so everyone can participate.
👉 Try Autumn Leaves are Falling Down
This pre-reading Halloween solo is perfect for preschoolers and beginners who aren’t reading staff notes yet. The simple rhythms and catchy lyrics make it easy to teach, and you can build in movement or clapping games.
7. Go Classical 🎶
Halloween is the perfect time to introduce dramatic classical favorites. The mystery and excitement are a natural fit for the season.
👉 One timeless choice: In the Hall of the Mountain King
With its creeping theme and fast finish, this piece makes a perfect October recital showstopper.
8. Pick Something You Love Teaching 😍
If you don’t like the piece, you won’t want to teach it. Choose music that excites you too — your enthusiasm will rub off on your students.
With these tips, you’ll be ready to build a Halloween music collection that’s fun, flexible, and perfect for your students. Remember: check descriptions, choose versatile pieces, listen before buying, and always mix spooky with non-spooky options. My little shop at pianomusicforkids. strives to help you with all these tips!
Ready to shop? Explore these favorites for your Halloween collection:
🎹 Your students will thank you when lessons feel festive, playful, and memorable this October.
