Create a piano solo with a galactic theme! There is so much to explore in outer space—stars, planets, rockets, aliens, or even the vastness beyond. Winners will be featured in the Summer 2027 issue of Piano Inspires Kids.
Blog
Announcing Autumn 2026 Piano Inspires Kids: Music of Japan
We’re thrilled to announce the Autumn 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids—Music of Japan. You’ll discover composers and pianists from Japan, traditional and modern music of Japan, new music based on a Japanese folk tune, and ideas on organizing practice.
Announcing: 2027 Winter Cover Design Contest
The Winter 2027 issue will explore sonatinas and sonatas, and we are inviting our Piano Inspires Kids readers to design the cover! One of the most famous sonatas is “Moonlight Sonata” by Ludwig van Beethoven. Show us how this sonata inspires you with your pictures and graphic designs!
Teaching with Piano Inspires Kids: Five Ways It Comes to Life at the New School for Music Study
Piano Inspires Kids (PIK) guides how we coordinate instruction across group classes. Each themed issue informs our planning, with short readings that spark activities and longer-term projects that deepen learning over time. In this way, technique, theory, repertoire, and creative work remain connected and meaningful.
Announcing: 2026 Video Game Composition Contest
In video games, the main character often has its own theme song that compliments its personality. Create your dream video game character—someone or something original with its own personality and story—and compose a theme song. Winners will be featured in the Summer 2026 issue of Piano Inspires Kids.
Reader Poll: Are Books Better than Digital Scores?
Have your students ever dreamed of composing music for movies? Now’s your chance! With our 2025 Piano Inspires Kids Composition Contest, young pianists can take on the exciting role of a movie soundtrack composer.
