Have you ever wondered what to do when your child just isn’t connecting with piano lessons?
Maybe they’re capable, but not motivated.
Maybe they practice, but without joy.
Maybe they say they’re “bored.”
In today’s episode, I’m visiting with composer and teacher Susan Staples Bell, and we talk about the moment piano lessons click — and how jazz, improvisation, and storytelling can completely change a child’s relationship with music.
Susan’s journey is a beautiful combination of nature, nurture, creativity, and courage — and her insights will encourage both parents and teachers alike.
Listen to the full episode here
Watch on YouTube
From Classical to Creative
Susan began piano lessons at age six and excelled — but she didn’t always love the traditional classical path.
Everything changed when her parents offered her something different: jazz lessons.
Learning chords, improvising, and experimenting at the keyboard lit a spark that kept her engaged through junior high, high school, and beyond. That spark eventually led her to study music composition and build a career helping students experience that same breakthrough moment.
Her story is a powerful reminder:
Sometimes kids don’t dislike piano.
They just haven’t found their spark yet.
Why Storytelling Matters in Music
One of Susan’s core teaching philosophies is this:
Before you write music, decide what you want to say.
She encourages students to think in terms of story and emotion:
What does a rainstorm sound like?
How do butterfly wings move?
What does a hero’s adventure feel like?
When students connect music to imagery and emotion, they play — and create — with far greater expression.
And when piano lessons become meaningful, motivation follows.
Encouraging Creativity at Home
Parents, here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a composer to support creativity.
Some simple ideas discussed in this episode include:
- Ask your child what a certain sound or mood might “sound like” on the piano
- Encourage experimenting with steady beats, high and low sounds, or simple patterns
- Let them explore improvising over a basic chord progression
- Celebrate original ideas — even if they’re simple
When students begin composing or improvising, something powerful happens:
They understand why composers write the music the way they do.
And that deepens their appreciation for every piece they learn.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Susan shares several creative resources for students and teachers, including:
Rockin’ Blues – A high-energy solo that brings down the house at talent shows
Exploring Improvisation – A step-by-step method for introducing creativity at the piano
The Next Step in Your Creative Journey – A composition guide that walks students through 30 foundational skills
You can connect with Susan and explore her music at:
👉 susanstaplesbellmusic.com
👉 YouTube: Susan Staples Bell
You might also be interested to read more about Red Camp, Susan’s jazz teacher in Corpus Christi.
Susan Staples Bell
Susan Staples Bell is a composer, piano teacher, and music educator who creates imaginative, skill-building piano music for students of all ages. With over 300 original compositions and teaching resources, Susan is known for blending creativity, storytelling, and solid pedagogy to help students grow not just as pianists but as musicians.
A former middle school band director, choir director, and active church musician, Susan writes music that solves real studio challenges — from beginner pieces that spark curiosity to flexible ensembles, lead sheets, and improvisation resources that build confidence and joy at the piano.
Popular Solo collections include the Castle Tales series, Galactic Adventures, Summer Vibes, Mission: Intrigue, and Best of Boogies & Blues.
Susan is an active member of MTNA, NFMC, and ASCAP, and regularly presents at conferences and teacher events. Through her website, SusanStaplesBellMusic.com, she supports piano teachers around the world with fresh, creative music and practical tools that make teaching easier — and more fun.
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