October is here, and Halloween is right around the corner!
One thing I’ve learned over the years as a music educator is that students are much more excited about practicing when they recognize the music they are playing. Sometimes, changing things up with a seasonal song is exactly what a student needs to bring a little more energy back into practice.
And Halloween gives us plenty of great music to work with.
Whether you’re a young guitarist, an adult beginner, or a family looking for something fun to play together, here are 7 spooktacular Halloween songs every aspiring musician should learn.
1. Monster Mash
You almost can’t have Halloween without “Monster Mash.”
It’s fun, recognizable, and has a steady groove that makes it a great choice for developing rhythm and chord changes.
For beginning guitarists, you don’t necessarily have to learn the entire arrangement. Start with the basic chord progression, get the rhythm comfortable, and build from there.
What you can practice: Steady rhythm, chord changes, and playing along with a song.
2. Ghostbusters
Who you gonna call?
“Ghostbusters” is one of those songs that students usually recognize almost immediately.
The rhythm and recognizable musical ideas make it a fun choice for guitar, keyboard, or even a small student ensemble.
It’s also a good reminder that learning music doesn’t always have to feel like an assignment. Sometimes we need to simply play something because it’s fun.
What you can practice: Rhythm, listening, timing, and ensemble playing.
3. The Addams Family Theme
That famous snap-snap makes this one perfect for Halloween.
The “Addams Family Theme” is especially good for younger musicians because rhythm can become part of the activity. Students can clap, snap, count, and then transfer those rhythmic ideas to their instrument.
This is something I emphasize with my own students: rhythm comes first.
If you can feel the pulse and understand where the notes belong, everything else becomes easier.
What you can practice: Counting, rhythmic accuracy, rests, and coordination.
4. Hedwig’s Theme
For students who love the Harry Potter movies, “Hedwig’s Theme” is a wonderful October challenge.
It has that mysterious sound we immediately associate with magic and Halloween, but it also gives developing musicians an opportunity to work on melody, phrasing, and musical expression.
Don’t worry about playing it fast.
Start slowly. Learn a few notes or measures at a time. Get them right, and then put the pieces together.
That approach works for almost everything we learn in music.
What you can practice: Melody, phrasing, note reading, and slow, accurate practice.
5. This Is Halloween
From The Nightmare Before Christmas, “This Is Halloween” is another seasonal favorite.
The changing musical ideas make it a little more challenging, but that is also what makes it interesting.
For intermediate students, this can be a great opportunity to work on transitions and maintaining a steady pulse when the music changes.
What you can practice: Transitions, rhythm, dynamics, and musical character.
6. Thriller
Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” has become almost synonymous with Halloween.
For guitarists in particular, this is a great opportunity to explore groove.
You don’t have to play every note from the original recording to learn something valuable from the song. A simplified rhythm part can teach a student a tremendous amount about staying in time and playing with confidence.
Sometimes playing something simple really well is better than struggling through something complicated.
What you can practice: Groove, timing, rhythm guitar, and playing with recordings.
7. In the Hall of the Mountain King
Halloween music doesn’t have to come from a movie or pop song.
Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” is a great example of classical music that naturally fits the season.
The melody begins quietly and gradually becomes faster, louder, and more intense.
For students, it is a wonderful piece for learning about tempo, dynamics, repetition, and musical storytelling.
It also shows young musicians that classical music can be exciting, dramatic—and even a little spooky!
What you can practice: Dynamics, tempo control, repetition, and musical expression.
Make October Practice Fun
Here is my challenge for aspiring musicians this October:
Pick one Halloween song and learn it before October 31.
Don’t worry about learning the most difficult arrangement.
Start where you are.
Learn four measures. Learn the melody. Learn the chords. Play it slowly eight times. Then come back tomorrow and do it again.
Those small accomplishments add up.
And parents, this is also a great opportunity to let your child have a little fun with music. Ask them to give you a Halloween performance at home. Record it. Let them play for grandparents or friends.
Music is meant to be shared.
Ready to Start Playing?
At Music With Mr. Browne, we help children, teens, and adults develop real musical skills while learning music they can enjoy and share with others.
Whether you’re just getting started or you’re ready to take your playing to the next level, fall is a great time to pick up the guitar and start making music.
Music With Mr. Browne
Guitar Lessons for Children, Teens & Adults
Serving Buford, Dacula, Lawrenceville, Auburn, Braselton & Gwinnett County
Call or Text: (770) 298-3740
Email: info@musicwithmrbrowne.com
