Video game music has blossomed into one of the most popular and successful genres of music. Full of memorable melodies and powerful emotion, video game music has transcended the gaming world in any ways and have become a favorite of pianists worldwide
Whether you are a beginner or advanced piano student, learning to play some classic video game themes on the piano offers a unique blend of nostalgia, challenge, and artistic expression.
In this article, we will check out some of the best video game piano songs and learn some tips and tricks for getting them up to speed!
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The rise of video game music
In the early days of gaming, video game music was limited by technology. Simple chiptunes, consisting of basic synthesized sounds, were the norm. Despite their simplicity, these melodies had to be catchy and memorable, given the limited sound channels available on early gaming consoles.
Classics like the Super Mario Bros. theme and the Tetris tune became instantly recognizable and laid the foundation for the evolution of video game music.
As technology advanced, so did the complexity of video game music. The shift from simple chiptunes to fully orchestrated scores marked a significant milestone. Games like Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda began incorporating intricate compositions that rivaled those of Hollywood films.
In fact, today’s big video game projects have budgets that rival or exceed Hollywood films. These scores added a new layer of depth and emotion to the gaming experience, transforming video game music into an art form in its own right.
Significance in pop culture
The inclusion of video game music in mainstream media, from television shows to major film productions, further cements its place in popular culture. Video game music concerts, such as Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy and The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, have attracted thousands of fans worldwide, showcasing the widespread appeal of these compositions.
Why play video game music on the piano?
One of the primary reasons for playing video game music on the piano is the deep emotional connection many players have with these tunes. These songs often evoke memories of pivotal moments in games, creating a powerful sense of nostalgia.
Additionally, video game music offers a wide range of musical complexity, making it suitable for players of all skill levels. From the simple melodies of early chiptunes to the intricate compositions of modern orchestral scores, there is something for everyone. This variety provides an excellent opportunity for pianists to challenge themselves and grow as musicians.
Video game music translates exceptionally well to the piano. The instrument’s versatility allows it to capture the essence of these compositions, whether they are fast-paced battle themes or slow, melancholic pieces.
Additionally, the widespread appeal of video game music means that pianists can perform these pieces for diverse audiences, from gaming enthusiasts to classical music lovers.
Best video game piano songs
When selecting the best video game piano songs, we considered several factors: popularity, emotional impact, and musical complexity. These pieces are not only widely recognized but also offer a range of challenges and rewards for piano players and are among the best piano songs.
Here are the top-rated video game piano songs that you can learn:
1. “To Zanarkand” from Final Fantasy X
“To Zanarkand” is one of the most iconic pieces from the Final Fantasy series, known for its hauntingly beautiful melody. It plays during some of the game’s most emotional moments, making it a favorite among fans.
The piece’s slow tempo and expressive phrasing make it an excellent choice for intermediate pianists looking to develop their emotional playing skills.
2. “Aerith’s Theme” from Final Fantasy VII
“Aerith’s Theme” is another beloved composition from the “Final Fantasy” series. Its poignant melody is associated with one of the most memorable and emotional scenes in gaming history.
This piece offers a mix of lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies, providing a rewarding challenge for advanced pianists.
3. “Song of Storms” from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
“Song of Storms” is a popular tune from Ocarina of Time, known for its catchy and repetitive melody. It’s a favorite among fans for its simplicity and charm.
The piece’s straightforward structure makes it accessible to beginners while still being enjoyable for more experienced players.
4. “Dearly Beloved” from Kingdom Hearts
“Dearly Beloved” serves as the main menu theme for the Kingdom Hearts series. Its gentle and soothing melody creates a sense of calm and nostalgia.
This piece is perfect for pianists who enjoy playing emotionally expressive music. Its flowing arpeggios and delicate dynamics require a sensitive touch.
5. “Hikari” from Kingdom Hearts
“Hikari,” also known as “Simple and Clean,” is the main theme of Kingdom Hearts. Its uplifting and melodic nature makes it a standout track.
The song’s intricate rhythms and melodic lines offer a rewarding challenge for intermediate to advanced players.
6. “The Last of Us: Main Theme”
The main theme from The Last of Us is a hauntingly beautiful piece that perfectly captures the game’s somber and emotional tone.
The piece’s moody style and expressive phrasing make it an excellent choice for pianists looking to improve their technical and emotional playing skills.
Interested in seeing some video game music played on piano? Here are a few examples as explored on Kara Comparetto’s YouTube channel.
Tips for playing video game songs on piano
Now that you have some ideas for good video game piano themes to start checking out, let’s explore some strategies you can use to make the learning process even quicker.
Starting simple
When beginning to play video game songs on the piano, it’s important to start with easy piano songs. Tunes like “Song of Storms” and the “Super Mario Bros.” theme are great starting points due to their straightforward melodies and repetitive structures. These pieces help build confidence and develop basic piano skills.
You can follow online forums, such as this Reddit thread, where you can get ideas from other enthusiasts like yourself on the best piano music to play based on video games.
Looking for good beginner songs from video games
byu/hurstshifter7 inpiano
Progressing to complex pieces
Much like learning any style of music, as you become more comfortable with simpler pieces, gradually progress to more complex compositions. Songs like “To Zanarkand” and “Aerith’s Theme” offer greater challenges in terms of dynamics, phrasing, and technical execution.
These pieces help improve your overall musicianship and prepare you for even more advanced works and hard piano songs.
Using sheet music and tutorials
There are numerous resources available to help you learn video game music on the piano. Platforms like YouTube can provide tutorials from experienced pianists. Using these resources can significantly enhance your learning experience and provide valuable insights into learning how to play piano.
Adding personal touches
While it’s important to stay true to the original compositions, don’t be afraid to add your personal touch.
Experiment with dynamics, tempos, and even slight variations in the melody to make the piece your own. This not only makes your performance more unique but also helps deepen your connection to the music.
Resources for video game piano music
Now that you are ready to begin your journey learning some classic video game themes, take a look at some of these resources to help power up along the way!
Skoove
For those looking to improve their piano skills, Skoove is an excellent online piano learning platform. With a wide range of interactive lessons and real-time feedback, Skoove helps you develop the skills needed to play video game music effectively.
Skoove’s structured courses and personalized feedback make it a valuable tool for pianists of all levels.
YouTube channels and tutorials
YouTube is a fantastic resource for video game piano music tutorials. Channels like “Kyle Landry” and “Piano Tutorials by Ramin Yousefi” provide step-by-step guides to playing your favorite video game tunes. These tutorials can help you understand the nuances of each piece and offer tips on how to master them.
Community forums and groups
Engaging with other video game music enthusiasts can be incredibly rewarding. Online communities like the “Video Game Music” subreddit and various Facebook groups offer a platform to share your progress, seek advice, and connect with fellow pianists. These communities can provide support and motivation as you learn new pieces.
The power of the game
Video game piano music has become a well-developed and diverse genre, with a range of repertoire for all pianists. From simple 8-bit music of early gaming to the complex, highly developed orchestral scores of modern titles, video game music provides enormous opportunities for music growth and enjoyment.
Coupled with the nostalgia, challenge, and complex layers of artistic expression, pianists of all ability levels can develop their skills and connect deeply with the music. Platforms like Skoove can help you build the necessary skills to tackle these challenging and rewarding pieces. Whether you’re a gaming enthusiast or simply a lover of beautiful music, playing video game piano songs is a fulfilling and enriching experience.
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Hovan from the Skoove team
