Chrissy Ricker
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My Top 5 Lyrical Video Game Arrangements

10/2/2020

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A few months ago I did a post of my top 5 video game arrangements for beginners. Today, I am sharing another list: my top 5 lyrical video game arrangements!

​These are lovely, lyrical pieces from my students' favorite video games that I feel work especially well for the piano. I have found that these pieces have special appeal to my teen and ‘tween students of all levels!


Curious to see what’s on my list? Read on for more!


1. To Zanarkand (Final Fantasy) - early to mid-intermediate level
The soundtracks from the "Final Fantasy" franchise have long been favorites with video game fans--so much so that they have spawned multiple concert tours, giving fans a chance to hear their favorite pieces performed by a live symphony orchestra. This flowing piece sounds especially lovely on the piano (and it is great practice for reading ledger lines in the treble clef, too!).

2. Dearly Beloved (Kingdom Hearts) - early intermediate level
Composed by one of my favorite video game composers, Yoko Shimomura, "Dearly Beloved" is another fan favorite that is the main theme of the popular "Kingdom Hearts" series. It sounds sophisticated, but this piece works especially well for students because of the repeating chord pattern and slow tempo.

3. Wet Hands (Minecraft) - late elementary and intermediate levels
The relaxing, ambient music from Minecraft has always been popular with my students. I've done two arrangements of "Wet Hands," the main theme from the video game: one simplified for late elementary students and one that is exactly as it appears in the game.

4. His Theme (Undertale) -  multiple versions, elementary to intermediate levels
Even if you aren't familiar with Undertale, you've probably heard (or taught) the super-popular main theme, "Megalovania." "His Theme" is a more lyrical selection from Undertale that is repetitive enough to be accessible to any student--and serves as a great introduction to the damper pedal for beginners!

5. Hollow Knight (Hollow Knight) - early to mid-intermediate level
"Hollow Knight" is a newer game, but I've already had several requests from students who want to learn music from the game. This haunting main theme works really well for piano and is a great piece for encouraging expressive playing in your early to mid-intermediate students.

Looking for more video game music? Check out my full catalog of video game arrangements HERE, where you can filter by level and style!

What do you think? Do your students love lyrical video game pieces, too? Do you have any favorites that didn't make my top 5 list? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!



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    Chrissy Ricker is a pianist, teacher, and composer from North Carolina. These are her thoughts on teaching, composing, and all things music.


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