Video Game Music Theory
Learn the basics of music theory through classic 8-bit games!
Phil Romo - Piano and Music Theory Instruction
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(810)
Popular
What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner Level
I have been teaching piano for over twenty years and one of the challenges I've faced is presenting music theory in a fun and engaging way to young students. One of the best ways to learn about how music works is through video games. Your learner will learn some very useful things about how music works and at the same time have lots of fun playing these classic video game themes! Here are some useful things to know: -Your learner does not need to be able to read music or have years of experience to join this class. If your learner does have experience reading and playing the piano then they may be able to play the examples presented and will be given the chance to demonstrate the examples for the class. However, performances are not required and your learner can simply sit back and enjoy the materials presented. -All that is needed is a functional keyboard or piano so your learner can follow along. I will present the music in downloadable PDFs each week. You can print out the music or keep the PDFs on a separate tablet to view. The music will be presented in standard notation but your learner can feel free to write in the note names if they prefer. -We will use the themes from the classic "Super Mario Bros." games for this entire class. The book we will use can also be purchased if you'd like. I will add a link to the book in the supply list. Weekly Breakdown: Week 1- Intervals- Octaves and half steps- Underground Background Music and Castle Background Music Week 2- Intervals- 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths- Time up Warning Fanfare and Invincible Background Music (⭐️ Power!) Week 3- Major Chords- Course Clear Fanfare and World Clear Fanfare Week 4- Summary- Ground Background Music and Underwater Background Music I will present the musical material during class. I will explain the concepts at the core of each piece, perform the pieces, and then break down the concepts on the sheet music so that each learner will see how it works. Students are then free to practice the material during the week and optional performances by the learners will be available at the start of each class beginning the 2nd scheduled meeting.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
810reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hello, I teach guitar, piano, and bass classes for the ages of 6 and up. I also specialize in music theory and jazz harmony.
I began teaching music in 2002 and it has been my primary profession ever since.
I believe in teaching the fundamentals. Reading notation is a must. Deciphering chords, understanding harmony. The facts of music take priority in my lessons. I believe that everyone has limitless potential to be whatever kind of musician they would like to be.
Note to parents:
Here is my recommended learning path for my piano students:
1. Introduction to Piano Fundamentals- for the pure beginner. Young learners will find this class simple to grasp and loads of fun. This class is a great way to establish good habits from day one.
2. Piano Fundamentals 2- This is a class where we focus on reading music notation. Any learner with a bit of piano experience who is unsure of their reading can start here. Reading music is essential in your piano journey and learners who cannot do this well will struggle in these courses. This class is highly recommended.
3. Piano Fundamentals 3- Where we learn to master the art of practice and play through the rest of the beginner method book
4. Intermediate Piano Course 1- We jump to the big leagues and master basic chords in C and G position. We move quickly and play more advanced pieces. Quality practice is essential for success in this class.
5. Intermediate Piano Course 2- Hanon exercises, an expanded rhythmic vocabulary, and more sophisticated piano pieces are covered in this course.
6. Intermediate Piano Course 3- Scales, technique, and longer pieces in different keys.
7. Intermediate Piano Course 4- We will learn about minor scales and get to the end of the Alfred Adult All-In-One Course book.
8. Advanced Piano 1- We make the jump into the Alfred Adult Level 2 book.
9. Advanced Piano 2- We continue through the Level 2 book.
10. Advanced Piano 3- We cover the keys of E minor, D Major, and the chromatic scale
11. Advanced Piano 4- Chord inversions are covered as well as 2 part writing
12. Recital Ready- This is an ongoing class where we cover famous piano literature in a group setting. This is the highest level group class that I teach and it is recommended that learners cover all previous levels before enrolling. 🎹
I also have a new class called "The Piano Player's Toolkit" that covers various topics related to piano playing and music theory. The amount of practice time is less than in the academic classes, and this is more of a casual weekly learning experience. Here is the link to the class:
https://outschool.com/classes/the-piano-players-toolkit-fn0Try2k?usid=nGt6td9A&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
I’m a father and a husband and I love what I do! I was the primary bassist for The Daytime Emmy Awards show from 2016 to 2019.Reviews
Live Group Class
$50
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
30 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
3-10 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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