The Composers and Themes That Made Gaming Soundtracks Iconic Video game music has become one of the most emotionally powerful genres of instrumental music today. From sweeping fantasy scores to quiet, reflective themes, game soundtracks stay with us long after we stop playing. But why does video game music connect so deeply with so many
I’m a huge fan of podcasts. I’ve got one for every mood, topic and occasion. Whether I’m cooking dinner, driving to a gig, or going for a walk – I love to learn new things and get inspired. Over the years, I’ve found a handful of podcasts that keep me motivated as a pianist, feed
We’ve all been there. You sit at your instrument, open your sheet music or pull up your practice app… and then just stare. Nothing flows. Nothing feels exciting. You play the same passage 47 times and it still sounds meh. You’re not alone – plateaus in practice are completely normal, whether you’re a beginner or
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had perfect pitch – but for much of my early life, I didn’t realize it was anything unusual. I just assumed that everyone could identify notes instantly, recognize keys without a reference, and pick out melodies without too much effort. As a child, I would sit at
If you’ve ever studied music, you’ve likely encountered different ways to name and understand notes and chords. Some musicians swear by the Do-Re-Mi system (Solfège), others stick to letter names (C-D-E-F-G-A-B), and some rely on the Nashville Number System, especially in contemporary and pop music settings. Each system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the
Have you ever listened to a song and wished you could immediately play it by ear? Training your ears to recognize chords and melodies is one of the most valuable skills a musician can develop. Whether you’re a pianist, singer, or instrumentalist, having a strong ear makes learning music faster and more intuitive. But how
Film music has an incredible ability to tell stories, evoke deep emotions, and transport us to different worlds – all without a single word. As pianists, we get the unique opportunity to bring these cinematic moments to life through expressive melodies, lush harmonies, and dynamic storytelling at the keyboard. But with so many iconic film
For many aspiring musicians, the question of whether to attend music school or pursue an independent path is a big one. Some believe formal training is essential for success, while others argue that real-world experience, networking, and self-driven learning can be just as valuable. So, should you go to music school? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely changes the way you think about something you’ve always taken for granted. For me, that book last year was Everybody Hertz by Richard Mainwaring. At first glance, you might think this is just another science book about sound. But Everybody Hertz is so much
Stage fright is something almost every musician experiences at some point. That nervous energy before a performance can be exhilarating, but when it turns into overwhelming anxiety, shaky hands, or a racing heart, it can feel impossible to focus on the music. As a pianist, you don’t have the luxury of hiding behind a microphone
There’s something truly magical about Studio Ghibli films. Whether it’s the breathtaking animation, heartwarming storytelling, or unforgettable characters, these films have a way of staying with us long after the credits roll. But one of the most powerful elements that makes Ghibli movies so special? The music. As a huge fan of Studio Ghibli and
Have you ever wondered why some pieces stick in your memory for years while others seem to disappear overnight? Memorizing music isn’t just about repetition – it’s a fascinating process involving different parts of your brain working together. Understanding how your brain stores, retrieves, and strengthens musical memories can make learning and memorization much easier!
Learning a new piece of music can feel overwhelming – especially if you’re trying to memorize it. But don’t worry! Breaking the process into smaller, manageable steps makes it much easier (and even fun). Whether you’re tackling a classical masterpiece, a pop song, or a video game soundtrack, here’s how you can memorize piano music