By Erica Garcia

While playing popular music on instruments such as the violin and cello is not a new concept, with artists such as Lindsey Stirling and 2Cellos becoming household names, pop music on shows such as Bridgerton have gifted this genre a fresh outlook. Since the show debuted in late 2020, many have fallen in love with the iconic soundtrack, containing lush string quartet renditions of songs originally performed by BTS, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, and many others. As the show became more well known, so did the music. Recently, more customers have visited our shop, eager to talk about the music. More people are inspired to play classical instruments and learn to play different genres.

Include Pop Music in the Beginning of your Musical Journey

Of course, you may want to get a violin, and be performing renditions of your favorite tunes in a week. However, learning a new instrument takes a significant amount of time and perhaps, more importantly, patience. However, there may be a few ways to incorporate your favorite song into your practice routine, even at the novice stage. You’ll need to know just a little bit about music theory.  Then, do an internet search for the chords to your favorite songs. If, by chance, there are a lot of C, G, or D chords in this song, you are in luck. Even just by plucking the open strings of your instrument, you will be able to discover a harmonious accompaniment for this tune. Perhaps you will discover a song that will sound nice as you sustain a held note with your bow, allowing you to practice pulling a straight bow across the string. Incorporating these techniques allows for increased creativity in your daily practice and can make practice time fun and rewarding.

For the more Advanced Student

Perhaps you are past the beginner stage. The good news is, you have more options on how to explore playing pop music on your instrument. Your local music shop may sell sheet music, which is a great way for you to be able to see the music before you play it. Search for music that is in keys you have played before, or look for pieces that have a low number of sharps and flats. This will help you learn to play in keys that might be unfamiliar and help you learn new pop songs. Musescore is a great website to discover some free sheet music to popular songs, and even has a play along feature, allowing for a karaoke-esque experience. In addition to this route, you could even discover how to play your favorite songs by ear. You can improve your skills, expand your musical capabilities and discover the range of your instrument.  Impress your family and friends as you play a riff from a pop song on your classical instrument! 

Arranging Your Own Music

Arranging your own music is a good way to learn more and more about musical structure. You could use Musescore or you could even handwrite the music on manuscript paper, just like your favorite composers used to do! To start, locate a lead sheet of the song you would like to arrange.  It will provide you with the melodic line and the chords that will serve as the musical backing. Then, carefully listen to the song, and discover if there are any distinct rhythmic motifs occurring, and discover how to notate them. 

This process is a slow one, especially when you are beginning this venture. Over time, your arrangements will become stronger. It takes dedication and hard work to learn to play an instrument and it takes dedication and hard work to learn to arrange music.  You will be surprised at how much you will learn by trying your hand at arranging music.  As you do more of it, you will become more proficient. 

Learning to play and arrange pop songs on a classical instrument is a good way to improve your musical skills, explore a different genre, and strengthen your individual sense of musicality.