Are you ready to explore the captivating world of classical music from the comfort of your own home? Whether you're a budding musician or simply curious to learn more, these four online classes offer a fantastic journey through some of the most iconic pieces ever composed. From the royal barges of the River Thames to the far reaches of our solar system, there's a musical story waiting for you.
1. A Royal Celebration: Handel’s Water Music
Step back in time to the 18th century with a 4-week online class dedicated to George Frideric Handel’s magnificent Water Music. Originally composed for a royal concert on the River Thames, this piece is a cornerstone of the Baroque era. In this course, you will not only listen to the enchanting melodies but also delve into the history and musical structures that make this work a masterpiece.
Designed for students with a 6th-grade reading and writing level, the class provides all the necessary activity sheets. While assignments are optional, they are highly encouraged to get the most out of the experience. You'll engage with the music through listening, watching related videos, reading short descriptions, and even tackling some creative projects.
2. A Journey of Joy: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
Prepare to be moved by the power and passion of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. This self-paced, 4-week online class is a deep dive into one of the most famous and influential pieces in the history of Western music. You'll explore the symphony's four movements, learn about the life of Beethoven, and gain an understanding of musical composition and analysis.
This course, designed for ages 12-15, offers flexibility with pre-recorded lessons and a full year of access to the content, along with four weeks of dedicated teacher support. Optional assignments, including listening, watching videos, and creative projects, will enhance your understanding and appreciation of this monumental work, culminating in the iconic "Ode to Joy."
3. A Cosmic Excursion: Holst’s The Planets
Blast off on an artistic and musical journey with a self-paced class on Gustav Holst's The Planets. This unique 4-week course combines the auditory magic of Holst's orchestral suite with creative expressions.
Explore Gustav Holst's iconic suite, learning about its unique instrumentation, astronomical inspirations, and the evocative moods of each movement
4. A Story in Sound: Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf
Discover how music can tell a story in this engaging, self-paced class on Sergei Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. This 4-week musical journey, suitable for ages 12-15, introduces students to the instruments of the orchestra through the unforgettable characters and narrative of this beloved symphonic fairy tale.
Through pre-recorded lessons and teacher support, students will learn how Prokofiev used different instruments to represent Peter, the bird, the duck, the cat, the wolf, and the hunters. The course includes listening activities, video explorations, and a creative project, all designed to deepen the understanding of musical themes and storytelling in music.
Whether you're looking to understand the classics on a deeper level or introduce a young learner to the wonders of orchestral music, these online classes provide an accessible and engaging way to connect with these timeless masterpieces.
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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
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Laura's Music Studio
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Music Sale!
I am selling some of my piano books.
All the books listed below are either brand new or gently used.
Please check the list below for the most up-to-date list of what I have on hand. If you want to see more details, the links will take you to Amazon where you can get a complete description.
Any questions or orders, please email me: pianolessonsmn at gmail dot com or contact me through the contact form linked on the right.
My First Piano Adventure Christmas Book C - 3.00 USD
Piano Adventures Music From China Pretime - 3.00 USD
Piano Adventures Technique and Artistry Level 1 - 3.00 USD
Piano Adventures Christmas Book 2B - 3.00 USD
Piano Adventures Sightreading Book 4 - 4.00 USD
Accelerated Piano Adventures Lesson Book 1 - 5.00 USD
Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 - 6.00 USD
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 1 - 11.00 USD
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course Book 2 - 11.00 USD
Piano Adventures Primer Level Unit Assessments - 12.00 USD
Alfred's Basic Piano Library - Musical Concepts Level 2 - 2.00 USD
Teaching Little Fingers to Play Recital Pieces - 6.00 USD
Tchaikovsky: Album for the Young, Opus 39 edited by Keith Snell - 3.00 USD
Khachaturian: Selected Piano Works (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) - 10.00 USD
Classical for Guitar In TAB: Easy to Intermediate Classics and Transcriptions for Solo Guitar - 3.00 USD
A Dozen A Day, Book 3 by Edna-Mae Burnam - 3.00 USD
Even More Sunday Solos for Piano - 7.00 USD
Favorite Classics for Piano (published by Hal Leonard) - 7.00 USD
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - 2.00 USD
Joyful Praise Choir Book compiled by Cliff Barrows - 2.00 USD
The Parade Book - 2.00 USD
The Phantom of the Opera Easy Piano - 12.00 USD
Piano Solos for All Occasions - 13.00 USD
Scale Skills Level 3 by Keith Snell - 5.00 USD
Scott Joplin Piano Rags - 5.00 USD
VeggieTales Songbook - 11.00 USD
Wildflowers - 2.00 USD
Shipping to the USA: 3.00 USD for the first item, additional 0.50 USD for every additional item
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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
My Sheet Music
I’ve composed over 70 pieces for piano players and guitar players. The pieces range from a beginner level to an advanced level.
You can find all of them here.
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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Autumn Music Activities
Looking for some autumn activities for your music studio? Here are some ideas:
🍁 Fall-Themed Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Fall-Themed Music Resources and Activities
🍁 Fall Listening Lessons for Elementary Music
🍁 Fall Music Lesson Activities
🍁 Favorite Fall Music Lessons for Loads of Autumn Fun
🍁 Halloween Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Halloween Music Lesson Ideas - Part 2
🍁 Lesson Plans and Sheet Music for the Fall
🍁 Pumpkin-Themed Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Thanksgiving Sheet Music Crafts
🍁 Thanksgiving Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Themed Lesson: Autumn
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Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter!
Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
🍁 Fall-Themed Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Fall-Themed Music Resources and Activities
🍁 Fall Listening Lessons for Elementary Music
🍁 Fall Music Lesson Activities
🍁 Favorite Fall Music Lessons for Loads of Autumn Fun
🍁 Halloween Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Halloween Music Lesson Ideas - Part 2
🍁 Lesson Plans and Sheet Music for the Fall
🍁 Pumpkin-Themed Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Thanksgiving Sheet Music Crafts
🍁 Thanksgiving Music Lesson Ideas
🍁 Themed Lesson: Autumn
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Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter!
Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Competitions and Performance Opportunities - Winter and Spring 2026
MusicLink Playathon
Minnesota students will again be given the opportunity to show off their musical talents by participating in a MusicLink Playathon at the Mall of America. This is a fundraising event sponsored by MMTA and Schmitt Music to benefit the MusicLink Foundation. It has been very successful in raising much-needed funds for the Foundation and is also an exciting experience for students, teachers, and parents while providing a convincing public face to the value of music education.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: no fee
Ages: any age
Piano Solo Festival
Students who would like to, have the opportunity to participate in the Piano Solo Festival at Northwestern University.
Date: March 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: $20
Ages: 4th grade and up
Thursday Musical - Young Artist Scholarship Competition
Scholarships are awarded in each age division and instrument category. First place awards for college are $1,300; high school, $800; and junior high, $550. Second place and honorable mention awards are also granted. First place winners are recognized with a featured concert performance at MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. Additional performance opportunities are also offered to winners.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: $25
Ages: 7th grade and up
https://thursdaymusical.org/competition
Registration deadline: TBA
The Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition
The Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition is open to junior high and senior high students. Two cash prizes in each age and instrument category are awarded – $2000 and $1500 – to be used for further musical education.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: none
Ages: 7th grade and up
https://schubert.org/education/competition/
Registration deadline: TBA
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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
Minnesota students will again be given the opportunity to show off their musical talents by participating in a MusicLink Playathon at the Mall of America. This is a fundraising event sponsored by MMTA and Schmitt Music to benefit the MusicLink Foundation. It has been very successful in raising much-needed funds for the Foundation and is also an exciting experience for students, teachers, and parents while providing a convincing public face to the value of music education.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: no fee
Ages: any age
https://musiclinkfoundation.org/playathon-registration-form/
Registration deadline: TBA
Registration deadline: TBA
Piano Solo Festival
Students who would like to, have the opportunity to participate in the Piano Solo Festival at Northwestern University.
Date: March 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: $20
Ages: 4th grade and up
Thursday Musical - Young Artist Scholarship Competition
Scholarships are awarded in each age division and instrument category. First place awards for college are $1,300; high school, $800; and junior high, $550. Second place and honorable mention awards are also granted. First place winners are recognized with a featured concert performance at MacPhail Center for Music, Minneapolis. Additional performance opportunities are also offered to winners.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: $25
Ages: 7th grade and up
https://thursdaymusical.org/competition
Registration deadline: TBA
The Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition
The Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition is open to junior high and senior high students. Two cash prizes in each age and instrument category are awarded – $2000 and $1500 – to be used for further musical education.
Date: February 2026 (exact date TBA)
Registration fee: none
Ages: 7th grade and up
https://schubert.org/education/competition/
Registration deadline: TBA
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I've published five piano music books and one guitar music book. Get them here.
Sign up here for my free monthly newsletter! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest.
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