I usually focus on the younger students in my studio when planning fun Halloween-themed activities--but I have found that my older students like to get in on the Halloween fun, too!
Today I am rounding up Halloween activities and sheet music that are perfect for the teens, 'tweens, and intermediate level students in your studio!
And best of all, many of these resources are absolutely FREE! Keep reading to see more...
Today I am rounding up Halloween activities and sheet music that are perfect for the teens, 'tweens, and intermediate level students in your studio!
And best of all, many of these resources are absolutely FREE! Keep reading to see more...
Halloween-Themed Theory and Listening Activities
| Spooky Rhythms One of my favorite ways to help students learn sixteenth notes is to use rhythm words. This fun "spooky rhythm" chart and accompanying flashcards use Halloween-themed words to help students practice counting combinations of sixteenth notes and eighth notes. Click HERE to get your free copy. |  |
| 8-Bit Music Theory Video If you have students that are fans of video games or music composition, they will love this fascinating video from "8-Bit Music Theory" that walks us through the compositional devices used in 3 Super Mario themes to make them sound spooky. | |
| Danse Macabre Listening Map Students of all ages love this famous classic, but older students will especially enjoy following this listening map, which introduces each of the themes found in Camille Saint-Saens's "Danse Macabre" as well as the orchestral instruments being used to play each one. | |
Halloween Sheet Music
Free Classical Favorites
I love mixing in a few minor-key classical favorites this time of year! Here are a few of my favorite Halloween-appropriate pieces at the intermediate level, listed in approximate order of difficulty.
You can find well-edited, free sheet music for each of these pieces in their original form on Gilbert DeBenedetti's wonderful website "G Major Music Theory" by clicking on the links below.
Free Classical Favorites
I love mixing in a few minor-key classical favorites this time of year! Here are a few of my favorite Halloween-appropriate pieces at the intermediate level, listed in approximate order of difficulty.
You can find well-edited, free sheet music for each of these pieces in their original form on Gilbert DeBenedetti's wonderful website "G Major Music Theory" by clicking on the links below.
- Friedrich Burgmuller's pieces are always student favorites! There are many great choices, but I especially enjoy teaching Burgmuller's "Ballade" this time of year.
- I love Robert Schumann's descriptive music for students. Two pieces I especially enjoy teaching this time of year are "The Wild Horseman" and "Knight Rupert."
- Frederic Chopin's somber "Prelude in C Minor" works beautifully for Halloween and is also great practice for playing four-note chords and octaves.
- Finally, Ludwig van Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" is a year-round favorite but makes a lovely Halloween selection. Now is a great time to introduce your students to this famous piece--the first movement in particular is accessible to late intermediate students.
Popular Arrangements for Purchase
| Ghostbusters Theme It isn't Halloween until you hear this classic movie theme! Click HERE to see the music. | |
| The Addams Family Theme Everyone loves this quirky TV theme that includes fun finger snaps! Click HERE to see the music. | |
| The Walking Dead Main Theme Even students who aren't fans of the TV series will love playing this spooky, pattern-based theme song! Click HERE to see the music. | |
| Moonlight This "remix" puts a pop spin on Beethoven's famous "Moonlight Sonata." Click HERE to see the music. | |
Duets for Purchase
| Students will love this showstopping duet that includes glissandos and grace notes galore! Click HERE to see the music. | |
| It's an epic head-to-head battle in this duet that passes the melody from one part to the other throughout the piece. Click HERE to see the music. | |
What do you think? Do you plan any special Halloween-themed activities or repertoire for your older students? I would love to hear your ideas in the comments!
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