5 Ways to Use the Activities in the Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids

The Autumn issue of Piano Inspires Kids is filled with fun, creative, and educational ways to explore music. Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring fresh ideas into your studio or a parent hoping to spark your child’s imagination at home, this issue offers something for everyone. Here are five ways you can use the activities to inspire young musicians this fall:

1. Make Rhythm Come Alive

Turn rhythm into a full-body experience with the Rhythm Challenge activity. Students clap the rhythm in front of them as they walk, turning each corner into a chance to reinforce pulse, coordination, and focus. Teachers can adapt the activity by adding challenges—such as switching claps to snaps or reversing directions—keeping the exercise playful and engaging.  Go to kids.pianoinspires.com/activities to download the rhythms. 

2. Explore Music Through the Lens of History

Time travel through the “‘25s!” Our feature on 1725, 1825, 1925, and today helps students connect music to culture across centuries. Use it to spark discussions in your lessons: What did people wear in 1825? What instruments did they play in 1925? How is today’s world different? This activity deepens historical awareness and shows students that music always lives within a bigger story.

3. Compare Instruments Across Time and Place

From grand pianos to keyboards, this issue explores the many ways people make music. Encourage students to compare different types of pianos and imagine what it would be like to play music while traveling in a different era—by carriage, train, or car. This ties music to transportation, fashion, and schooling, showing that the piano has always adapted to the world around it.

4. Play and Create with New Music

Catherine Rollin’s new piece, The Roaring ‘20s, gives students a lively way to step into the spirit of the 1920s. After learning the piece, invite students to improvise their own short “Roaring ’20s” melodies. Pairing performance with creation encourages confidence and joy in making music.

5. Enter the “Design the Cover” Contest

This Autumn issue also kicks off our Design the Cover Contest for the Winter 2026 issue, which will focus on Songs Without Words. Students are invited to create original artwork inspired by this idea, imagining how music can tell stories and express emotions. Use this contest as a fun studio project or a creative art-and-music crossover activity at home. Not only does it give kids a chance to showcase their artistic side, but it also helps them reflect on the ways music communicates beyond words.

With rhythm games, history connections, new music, and the excitement of creating art for the Songs Without Words cover contest, the Autumn issue of Piano Inspires Kids is designed to help students see music not just as notes on a page, but as a living, breathing part of their world.

The Autumn 2025 Issue of Piano Inspires Kids is coming now! Subscribers will be receiving the print issue in their mailboxes in the coming weeks. Interested in subscribing? Click here to receive the issue and give the gift of music to the musicians in your life for only $29.99/year for US-based subscribers and options for those internationally too!