Want to play piano music from movies, musicals, and video games? You should learn to read music. And in order to do that, you need to start with classical music first. Here’s why:

Aside from classical, most options using written music are not for beginners, even if they are “easy” arrangements. However, many composers across musical history also taught students, and they created compositions that could be engaged with at the most elementary levels.

This is why classical is a great place to start.

Why Classical Music?

Classical music, referred to as a genre, is simply instrumental art music and includes music from Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern styles. There is something for everyone under the umbrella of classical music, once you reach a high enough level.

Classical music, especially at the beginning levels tends to be structured and predictable, which is perfect for building reading skills.

As your skills advance, you can handle larger chords, more chords, more interesting chords, faster passages, and more complicated melodies. There exists a possibility of a logical progression.

Universal Music Skills

Once you know the basics, you are ready for those “easy” arrangements and as you continue to hone your classical skills, you’ll eventually be able to apply those skills to whatever else you want to play.

As you begin your piano journey, be on the lookout for easy classical repertoire (such as Masterwork Classics: Level 1-2). Music like this will help you take those first steps to a much more artistic and musical future.