Chrissy Ricker
  • Home
  • Publications
    • Piano collections
    • Pop & rock arrangements
    • Video game arrangements
    • Vocal music
    • Instrumental music
  • Search
    • Search my catalog!
  • About
  • Blog
  • Free Stuff
  • Contact

4 Ways to Set Your Studio Up for Success in 2026!

12/29/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
The start of a new year signals a fresh beginning in our studios. For most of us, January is a time for new music and new goals for the coming year.

In this article, I'll be sharing 4 ways you can set your studio up for success this year! Whether you are preparing students for competitions, planning your spring recital, or just looking for ideas to motivate your students to practice--I've got you covered! 

Keep reading to see a variety of free printables and helpful articles that will help you start the year off right...


Read More
0 Comments

Free Holiday Sheet Music for 2025!

12/5/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
The holiday season is officially here! If you are looking for extra holiday music to share with your students this season, you have come to the right place.

Today I am rounding up all of my FREE holiday sheet music for pre-reading through intermediate pianists. From simple solos to an intermediate medley--these pieces will keep your students playing festive favorites all month long!

Keep reading to get your free copies...


Read More
0 Comments

5 Musicianship Activities to Do in Your Lessons This December!

11/25/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Holiday songs have been chosen; winter break is on the horizon...are your students feeling the excitement of the holiday season?

Why not harness that holiday excitement to work on building important musicianship skills, too? Today I am sharing 5 musicianship skills that you can incorporate into your lessons this holiday season, with FREEBIES that will make your job easier!

Keep reading to see the activities...


Read More
0 Comments

Free Sheet Music for Thanksgiving!

10/30/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Thanksgiving often gets lost in the shuffle between Halloween and Christmas. However, I think there is lots to celebrate about this festive holiday!

So, in the spirit of giving, today I am sharing 8 FREE pieces for Thanksgiving, including arrangements for pre-reading through intermediate piano!

​Keep reading to see the music....


Read More
0 Comments

5 Fun Halloween Pieces for Primers (Including 2 FREEBIES!)

9/12/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Halloween is just around the corner!

Last year I shared my top 10 most popular Halloween arrangements for elementary students HERE. But what if you have brand-new students who want to get in on the Halloween fun?

​Today I am sharing 5 fun, primer-level pieces that your brand-new students can learn in time for Halloween--including 2 pieces that you can download right now for FREE!

Keep reading to see the music...


Read More
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Author

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


    Looking for teaching ideas related to a specific topic? Use the "search" feature or scroll down to see blog posts organized by category!

    Archives

    November 2025
    October 2025
    September 2025
    August 2025
    July 2025
    June 2025
    May 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016

    Categories

    All
    2 Minute Teaching Tips
    Active Listening
    Composer Focus
    Composition
    Duets
    Ear Training
    Easter
    Fall/Halloween
    Free Stuff
    Friday Funny
    Games
    Group Classes
    Holiday Music
    Lesson Planning
    Living Composers
    Memorization
    Music For One Hand
    Music History
    Musicianship Monthly
    NFMC Selections
    Online Lessons
    Patriotic Music
    Performing
    Pop Arrangements
    Practicing
    Professional Development
    Repertoire
    Rhythm
    Rote Teaching
    Saint Patrick's Day
    Sight Reading
    Sports Themed Resources
    Summer
    Summer Challenge Calendars
    Technique
    Technology
    Thanksgiving
    Theory
    Tips For Teens
    Transposition
    Travel Teaching
    Valentine's Day
    Wedding Music
    Young Beginners

    RSS Feed

    Subscribe to my monthly newsletter to stay informed about my latest publications and free teacher resources. Once you subscribe below, a fresh newsletter will be delivered to your inbox on the first of each month!

    *Your email will never be shared or used for any other purpose besides this once-monthly newsletter, and you may unsubscribe at any time by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of your newsletter email. 

Subscribe
 © ​Copyright 2016-2025 Chrissy Ricker. All Rights Reserved.
Photos from hyekab25, Giancarlo - Foto 4U, geraldbrazell, djordjemiladinovich, Rosmarie Voegtli, barnimages.com, brownpau, magicatwork, wuestenigel