Disney, pop and a bit of Whitney: why we learn with contemporary music at Viva Piano!

Story time!

When I was a little girl, my dad bought me two piano books: Easy Disney and Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits. Now, the image of a 10-year-old belting out Whitney while enthusiastically bashing away at the piano might make you laugh (and feel deeply sorry for my older brother), but those two books changed my life.

Up until that point, Dad had taught me a few chords, but I didn’t have a clue what to DO with them. Then suddenly, with these books, I could make real music playing songs I knew and loved. That moment lit the spark for my lifelong love of accompanying myself (and others) singing at the piano. It also gave me a huge realisation: learning music isn’t just about notes, scales, or getting things 'right'. It’s about joy, confidence, and feeling like music belongs in your everyday life. That’s exactly why we teach piano the way we do!

Teaching Piano with Songs Kids Actually Love

At Viva Piano, we love using popular music as the starting point in our piano lessons for children. We find that learning through songs that they recognise can really help kids:

• Stay motivated by playing familiar songs

• Develop rhythm and timing through clear, steady beats

• Improve listening skills by recognising melodies and patterns

• Build creativity by experimenting with chords and variations

• Feel confident playing with and for others

But of course, popular music doesn’t mean skipping the basics. Technique, rhythm and music theory are all carefully built into our beginner piano lessons, but introduced in a way that feels accessible and enjoyable.

My early experience of Disney and Whitney shaped the way I see music. We want children to feel that same sense of joy and confidence at the piano, and that’s exactly why we do what we do at Viva Piano!