Surprise Me Creative Challenge Links

This post includes online links for some of the activities students can choose from for the "Halloween Don't Scare Me Surprise Me" Challenge Sheet.

Elementary

Music History

Listen to the Classics for Kids Stravinsky Halloween podcast to hear spooky music from composers throughout time.

Composing

Compose a melody to go along with the words from a book.

Sample Book Melody: The Old Lady Who Wasn't Afraid of Anything

Choose a song you know how to play and disguise it by changing it to minor.

Sample Video:

Improvisation

Watch the 4 sample improvisation videos below from Leila Viss's Halloween Hocus Pocus at the Keys.

Then choose your favorite style, follow the 3 boundary rules, and improvise your own short Halloween piece during piano lab. Choose a fun title that matches the mood of your piece.

Caramel Apple Jack

Grumpy Jackson

Jack on a Wicked Ride

Jivin' Jack Blues

4 Types of Scales Video

Intermediate

Improvisation 

Explore the improvisation videos and activities below to get inspiration for creating your own improv.

Spooky Halloween Improvisation Instructions and Videos

Create First Moonrise

Create First Secret Dance

Create First Twilight Zone

Create First Shark Music

Rhythm

Addams Family Triplety Tap Music Video

Visit the Halloween Bach Toccata and Fugue Listening Lab to hear Bach's famous spooky music and learn more about Baroque-era music styles.

Watch a Pianote "Halloween Song" Tutorial Video to help you learn to play this piece with an unusual time signature.