As a piano teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how the landscape of music education is shifting. In a world where technology and pop culture are at the forefront, students today are often more excited by a familiar tune from their favorite video game than by a Beethoven sonata or a Chopin nocturne. But here’s the thing: I don’t see this as a threat to classical music; I see it as an opportunity to meet my students where they are and help them level up—both at the piano and in life.
Let’s start with something that’s often on the mind of my students (and, let’s be real, mine too): is classical piano phasing out? Are we heading into an era where people don’t want to learn scales, arpeggios, and J.S. Bach anymore? I get that sense from time to time, and I don’t blame my students for it. With the rise of video game music and contemporary pop, I understand why these genres resonate with them more than the “stuffy” classics. But here’s the twist: the skills you develop playing classical piano—like technical rigor, discipline, and musical expression—can absolutely transfer to contemporary music, including video game scores.
Take a moment to think about the technical complexity in some of the most beloved video game music. Did you know that playing certain pieces from Final Fantasy or The Legend of Zelda is as challenging as some of the intricate works of Bach or Beethoven? The Final Fantasy medley I've performed is full of technical twists and demands a warm, singing tone full of voicing and balance. Seriously, many of these pieces are composed with a level of sophistication that requires a solid technical foundation, just like historical classical music. Video game music, especially the more advanced pieces, forces you to develop finger independence, control, and precision—all things that classical music is known for teaching. So, when we break down something like Tetris or the Super Mario Bros.theme (I’ve used both in class to teach ear training), we’re really doing the same thing we’d do with Bach’s Inventions or Beethoven’s Sonatas. It’s just wrapped in a different package.
In my own teaching, I blend the classics with music that resonates with my students personally. I aim to find ways to make classical techniques applicable in a more modern context. I’ve had students practically jump out of their seats when they realize they can play the Super Mario Bros. theme. One of my students didn’t even want to participate in his first recital until I introduced him to the idea of playing Super Mario Bros. He was so excited! And that excitement translated into commitment and growth as a musician.
But let’s talk about the deeper benefits of this approach. Piano isn’t just about learning to play an instrument; it’s about learning life skills. Piano teaches discipline, patience, and focus—things that are hard to develop in any other way. I’ve seen students push through moments of frustration with their pieces, and in doing so, they become more confident, more resilient, and more determined. These qualities spill over into other areas of their lives, whether it’s school, relationships, or personal goals.
When I’m teaching, I emphasize leadership in the classroom. Whether I’m working with private students or a group of college students, I try to lead by example. By showing them how they can apply the skills they’re learning to real-world scenarios, I’ve seen incredible engagement and progress. Students who may have thought piano was a “boring” task are now setting goals for themselves and advancing to higher levels of playing. They’re passing statewide exams and, more importantly, they’re becoming individuals who know how to persevere. I see their growth in a very tangible way—not just as musicians, but as human beings.
One of the things I love most about teaching is seeing the “aha” moments. When students finally “get it,” when they make the connection between the effort they put into practice and the joy they get from playing their favorite songs, it’s like a light bulb goes off. And, let’s be honest, there’s something uniquely satisfying about playing a very complicated video game piece on the piano and knowing it’s just as technically demanding as a traditional classical piece.
So, are classical piano music and contemporary music on opposite ends of the spectrum? Not at all. They’re more like two sides of the same coin. The techniques and discipline from classical piano are alive and well, and they can be applied to the music students care about today. And for me, that’s the key to student engagement—meeting them where they are, using the music that speaks to them, and helping them grow both as musicians and as people.
The beauty of teaching today is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. I get to bring the joy of learning music into my students’ lives in a way that’s meaningful to them. And while I’ll always champion the classics, I’m also open to the fresh, exciting world of contemporary music. It’s a world that’s evolving, with new composers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the piano. And who knows? Maybe in the near future, we’ll see some of these game composers mentioned alongside the likes of Bach and Mozart in the pantheon of great piano music.
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