Chrissy Ricker
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TopMusic Piano Podcast Interview!

3/3/2025

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A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Rachel Ehring, host of the TopMusic Piano Podcast! Many thanks to Rachel for inviting me on the show to talk about my journey to becoming a composer, my newest projects, and my ideas for encouraging creativity in piano lessons.

You can listen to my interview with Rachel HERE, or look for it wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
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Piano Levels Explained: A Guide for Teachers and Students

2/24/2025

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Have you ever struggled to choose the right piece for a student at a particular level? Or wondered what terms like “five-finger,” “big note,” and “easy piano” really mean?

You are not alone! It can be tough to navigate the terminology used by various publishing companies to level piano music. In today’s post, I will be discussing leveling terms you will encounter frequently in piano music, what concepts can be expected at each level, and how these terms relate to the most commonly used piano method books and grading systems used around the world.
 
Keep reading to learn more…


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Free Sheet Music for Valentine's Day!

2/12/2025

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Looking for beautiful music to share with your students for Valentine's Day?

​Today I am sharing 7 FREE classical arrangements for every level that are perfect for Valentine's Day, but can also be enjoyed any time of year!

​Keep reading to get your free music...

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5 Fun Themes for Your Next Recital

2/7/2025

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Are you planning your spring recital? 

Choosing a recital theme can be a great way to add excitement leading up to your event! A fun recital theme can also make your program even more interesting for your audience.

Today I am sharing 5 popular recital themes that you might like to consider for your next event.
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I’ll also be including examples of pieces at every level that fit each theme, along with creative ideas that can help take your recital to the next level.

​Keep reading to learn more…


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January 2025 New Releases at Musicnotes!

1/29/2025

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Did you know that I release brand new pop arrangements over at Musicnotes every week?

In this post, I am rounding up my newest releases that you might have missed! This month's releases included  lots of new arrangements from the Oscar-nominated hit movie "Wicked," a popular anime theme, the theme from a hit TV series, and a classic pop ballad!

Keep reading to see the new pop releases...

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    Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. These are her thoughts on teaching, composing, and all things music.

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