Did you realize that listening to music holds just as much weight as practicing? Understanding the music that moves you is a vital aspect of your piano journey and musical growth. Music can be found everywhere—in movies, video games, podcast intros, TV shows, etc. While it’s important to understand the music that moves you, just the very act of listening to music immerses you in the language.
From my earliest memories, I've had a genuine passion for music. I'd pore over my parents' cassettes, diving into the world of artists like John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Otis Redding, and Bob Seger. I'd commit album titles and release years to memory, captivated by the role of a "producer." Though I didn't fully grasp its meaning, I knew it was significant. Whether it was my reserved nature or my destiny to immerse myself in pop culture, I've always had an eagerness to discover music that ignites my desire to play.
Video games also played a pivotal role in shaping my musical taste. The original NES offered some iconic tunes by the great Koji Kondo (Mario Bros, Zelda). I would record these melodies by holding up my recorder to the TV then would be seen pedaling around my neighborhood with the cassette player strapped to my bike's handlebars, blasting the 8-bit sounds of Dr. Mario and Tetris. It was like I was in my own cinematic world with my personalized soundtrack.
So, here's the plan: I'm launching a playlist series where I'll share a curated playlist with you each week for the next month or so. My hope is to inspire you to explore music and discover sounds that resonate with you. Many of the tracks I'll share are pieces I've taught and know inside out, reflecting my influences and musical journey. Others are timeless classics or essential pieces from the piano repertoire that I believe you should be acquainted with. Happy listening!