There’s something uniquely powerful about anime music. Whether it’s the soaring emotion of a Studio Ghibli theme or the pulse-raising energy of a shonen opening, anime scores are packed with unforgettable melodies, rich harmonies, and heart.
As a pianist, playing anime music isn’t just fun – it’s deeply expressive, emotionally satisfying, and a great way to grow your skills across classical, cinematic, and pop styles.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through 10 must-learn pieces for pianists from beloved anime series, from Ghibli classics to modern masterpieces. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s something here to add magic to your repertoire.
🌸 Why Play Anime Music on Piano?
Anime scores are incredibly varied, which makes them perfect for pianists wanting to:
- Explore emotional range and cinematic storytelling
- Practice rich harmonies and expressive phrasing
- Connect with a global community of anime & music lovers
- Perform pieces that audiences recognize and love
Here are some of my top recommendations (and why they’re worth learning):
1. “Inochi no Namae” – Spirited Away (Joe Hisaishi)
More intimate than “One Summer’s Day,” this piece features beautiful melodic lines that require sensitive touch and dynamic control.
2. “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” – Neon Genesis Evangelion (Yoko Takahashi)
A classic for good reason – this energetic anthem mixes gospel, pop, and anime flair. Great for developing syncopation, chord rhythm, and showmanship.
3. “Kawaranai Mono” – The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Hanako Oku)
A gentle and nostalgic piece with lovely harmonic progressions. Ideal for pianists who enjoy lyrical expression and emotionally-driven melodies.
4. “Madness” – Porco Rosso (Joe Hisaishi)
Dramatic, romantic, and bold – this lesser-known Hisaishi gem is full of intensity and sweeping cinematic flair. A perfect challenge for more advanced players.
5. “Gurenge” – Demon Slayer (LiSA)
The iconic opening theme arranged for piano is dynamic and rhythmic. You’ll flex your pop piano muscles with this one – and audiences love it.
6. “Merry-Go-Round of Life” – Howl’s Moving Castle (Joe Hisaishi)
One of Hisaishi’s most iconic waltzes – this piece is emotional, whimsical, and rhythmically satisfying. Great for phrasing, rubato, and dynamic storytelling.
7. “Unravel” – Tokyo Ghoul (TK from Ling Tosite Sigure)
This song is emotionally raw and powerful. A great workout for your expressive range – and a fan favourite.
8. “L’s Theme” – Death Note (Yoshihisa Hirano & Hideki Taniuchi)
Minimal, eerie, and rhythmic – L’s Theme uses broken chords and repetition to build intensity. It’s a fantastic piece to develop your left-hand control, pacing, and mastering tricky rhythms and key signatures.
9. “The Real Folk Blues” – Cowboy Bebop (Yoko Kanno)
Soulful, jazzy, and surprisingly intricate – this ending theme has rich voicings and subtle harmonies. It’s perfect for intermediate pianists exploring jazz tones.
10. “Ghost in a Flower” – A Whisker Away (Yorushika)
Dreamy and melancholic, this ballad is filled with subtle shifts in emotion and tempo. Its gentle rhythms and expressive melody make it a beautiful choice for developing nuance and lyrical phrasing.
Tips for Learning Anime Music on Piano
- Start slow, especially with rhythmically complex or syncopated sections
- Listen to the original soundtracks to capture the intended emotion and phrasing
- Use fingering that suits your hand – many fan arrangements vary widely
- Improvise and personalize – make it your own!
Many arrangements are available at different levels, so you can always scale up as you grow more confident.
Bonus: How Anime Music Makes You a Better Pianist
Playing anime music isn’t just about fun – it helps you:
- Improve your dynamic expression
- Understand modern harmonic progressions
- Play in unusual time signatures
- Explore non-Western scales and textures
- Strengthen audience connection
Where to Find Anime Sheet Music
- MuseScore – Huge community of fan arrangements (with variable accuracy)
- MusicNotes / Sheet Music Plus – Professional-quality arrangements
- YouTube Channels & Patreon Creators – Like Natalya Plays Piano 😉
Final Thoughts
Anime music brings storytelling, emotion, and nostalgia straight to your fingertips. Whether you’re performing for a crowd or just enjoying a moment at the piano alone, these pieces are worth every second.
Which anime piece do you dream of playing on piano? Leave a comment – I’d love to hear about your favouites!
NATALYA PLAYS PIANO 
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