Max and Cora – Puppy Pals. A Musical Storybook with 10 Pieces

Max & Cora: Puppy Pals takes students on a charming musical adventure through the antics of two lovable puppy friends, pairing a 10-chapter storybook with 10 original piano pieces that bring each chapter to life. Each chapter begins with a short narrative that students can read aloud or discuss, then leads into a musical piece that illustrates the emotions and action of that part of the story — turning music study into a creative, multi-dimensional experience.

What’s Included:

• A full 10-chapter storybook featuring Max & Cora
• 10 original piano pieces that correspond to the chapters
• Black & white illustrations to color for student engagement
• Questions and prompts to deepen creative thinking and discussion
• A total of 34 pages: 10 pages story + 15 pages music + 7 illustrations

Click here for  FREE Performance tracks

Learning & Skills Covered:

• Reading & Public Speaking — students practice reading chapters aloud
• Creative Thinking & Interpretation — discuss how the story connects to the music
• Piano Technique — cross-overs, pedaling, dynamics, articulations, tempo changes, accidentals
• Listening & Expression — students identify musical storytelling elements like “running” or “stretching” in the music

Level & Flexibility:

• Designed for Elementary level players; patterned pieces make learning accessible
• Works beautifully as a weekly plan (one chapter/piece a week)
• Can be used for recital themes, studio parties, or group classes
• Silent reading + playing makes this both a literacy and music resource

Why Teachers Love It:

Teachers love this collection for its story-driven approach to piano playing — the narrative gives students something to think about, feel, and express in their performance. It combines reading, creative discussion, coloring, listening, and piano skills into one cohesive unit that keeps students engaged beyond just “notes on the page.”

This purchase includes a Studio License, allowing use with all students in your private studio. Thank you for honoring the composer’s work by not sharing files outside your studio.

Suggested Use:

Perfect as a semester-long unit, story + performance recital theme, music + literacy cross-curriculum project, or group lesson centerpiece that nurtures expression, confidence, and listening skills.

Wondering what it sounds like?  Listen to the First Chapter.