5 Spooky Songs to Learn Before Halloween (and Why They’re Perfect for Beginner Musicians)
- Kalyn Keen
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
October is here, and that means pumpkins, costumes, and spooooooooky music! This is the time of year where students want to learn some spooky songs!
There are plenty of Halloween songs that students can learn how to play for all the boys and "ghouls" at home!
Here are five spooky songs that are fun, familiar, and easy to learn before Halloween.
1. “Monster Mash” – Bobby “Boris” Pickett
If Halloween had a theme song, this would be it. “Monster Mash” has been a favorite for decades because it’s silly, catchy, and easy to play!
Why it’s great: It’s built on a simple 4-chord pattern that beginners can pick up quickly on guitar or piano. The rhythm is easy to follow, which makes it fun and easy for young drummers, and helps new students build confidence!
Try this: Play along with the recording and practice switching between chords right on the beat. Add your best monster voice for fun- it’s Halloween, after all!
2. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.
“Who ya gonna call?” Everyone knows this one! “Ghostbusters” is upbeat, groovy, and everyone can recognize that catchy hook!
Why it’s great: The chords will need to be simplified for newer players, but with practice the catchy synth hook is easy enough to show off on guitar or piano! This song is also really great for drums!
Try this: Put on the movie theme and see if you can play or clap along in time the song. It’s a great way to build listening skills and timing. It's also a great excuse to just watch this classic movie!
3. “Addams Family Theme” – Vic Mizzy
EVERYONE knows this song! If you can snap or clap, you can play this song. The Addams Family Theme is a classic Halloween song that kids know by heart!
Why it’s great:
The melody is simple, and those famous snaps help students practice rhythm and counting rests.
Try this:
Play the song and have one person play or sing while another snaps along. You’ll be surprised how much rhythm and coordination it takes to get those snaps right on time!
4. “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” – J.S. Bach
This dramatic piece sounds like something out of an old movie- thunder, lightning, and a haunted organ echoing through a castle. It’s one of the most recognizable classical pieces ever written, and even beginners can learn the opening notes. Kids may not recognize the name, but they WILL recognize this song!
Why it’s great:
It’s repetitive, easy to simplify, and helps students explore loud and soft dynamics. It also introduces classical music in a way that feels exciting relevant to what students are interested in (in this instance, Halloween)
Try this:
Play the opening notes slowly at first, then build up volume and speed for that big, spooky sound. Even just the first few measures make it sound impressive.
5. “Halloween (Main Theme)” – John Carpenter
Okay here us out- we do NOT recommend kiddos watching this very scary movie- but the theme song is very recognizable, and really easy to learn.
Why it’s great:
It’s only a few repeating notes, but it teaches timing and focus. The rhythm never changes, which makes it a great practice piece for steady playing.
Try this:
Play it on piano or guitar at home. But don't watch the movie unless the student is much older!
Why These Songs Are So Good for Learning
Halloween songs are fun to play, and they also teach real musical skills:
Rhythm: Staying in time with a beat or clap.
Confidence: Playing familiar songs makes students proud to show what they know.
Creativity: Students can experiment with dynamics, tempo, and different sounds
Memory: Repetitive patterns help with chord and note recall.
And let’s be honest- practice is a lot more fun when you’re learning something fun and spooky!
Make Music Part of Your Halloween
Encourage your student to:
Put on a short “spooky concert” for the family.
Record a quick performance in costume.
Try adding props like pumpkins or glow lights to make practice fun.
Ready to Learn a Halloween Song?
At Keen School of Music, our teachers love helping students learn songs that keep them excited about music! If your student wants to learn one of these spooky songs (or add a few of their own), we’ll show them how!
CONTACT INFO
Phone number: 615 682 4939
Email: keenschoolofmusic@gmail.com
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