video game music

15 Best Super Mario Themes to Learn

Musicnotes

• 4 min read
Super Mario Themes

If you play any video games at all, chances are you've heard the music of game composer extraordinaire, Koji Kondo. His music for The Legend of Zelda games is so popular there is an orchestra that tours around the world performing Zelda tunes exclusively. However, it is his music for Super Mario, in all its incarnations, that has garnered the most fame.

Now you can play your favorite Mario Theme Songs on piano. Learning the music from the Super Mario games is a great way to develop your piano skills. It doesn't matter at which level you currently play. There is a version of the Mario Theme Song just for you.

Koji Kondo

Before you learn to play the music of specific composers, it always helps to know a little about them. Koji Kondo was born in Nagoya, Japan on August 13, 1961. He began organ lessons at a young age and played with a cover band but was never classically trained.

In his senior year of college, he learned Nintendo was hiring someone for sound programming. He got the job and began by creating the audio design for the arcade game Punch-Out!! In the early days of sound design, composers were very limited in what they could use. For Super Mario Bros. in 1985, Koji had only five mono channels of beeps and blips to work with.

By the 1990s technology had progressed to the point where Koji could write music with symphonic sounds and the sampling of real instruments. This led to more complex scores such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario Odyssey.

As you learn to play the music of Koji Kondo, you will hear and see the advancements in technology that enabled him to create more and more musically advanced soundtracks. Start your piano journey by choosing the right piece for you.

Beginning Piano

Any piano teacher will tell you that you will progress faster if you're playing songs you love and are fun to play. What could be more enjoyable than music from the Mario games? Try some of these easy Mario songs on piano:

  • "Super Mario Theme" for Beginner Notes. This arrangement is for the brand-new pianist who still needs a little help with note reading.
  • "Super Mario Bros. Main Theme" for early beginners. Slightly more challenging than the above version, this is good for pianists who have been playing for a year or so.
  • "Super Mario Bros. Main Theme" for easy piano duet. If you're ready to try a duet with friends, this is a fun option. 

Early Intermediate Piano

Think the Super Mario Theme Song on piano is just for the early pianists? Think again! There are versions of Mario music that will challenge advancing pianists, too. Take a look at these arrangements:

  • "Super Mario Bros. Ground Theme" for early intermediate. This is a great arrangement for pianists who are comfortable with the independence of the hands.
  • "Dire, Dire Docks" from Super Mario 64. Ready for a different Mario Theme Song on piano sheet music? This is a lovely, lyrical selection just right for mid-level pianists.
  • "Super Mario Kart Mario Circuit" for early intermediate. With lots of chording in the left hand, this piece is a nice opportunity for right-hand focus.

Late Intermediate Piano

While the Mario Theme Song might sound basic and easy to play, there are plenty of arrangements for pianists who can play more technically difficult pieces. The fact that so many composers are making these arrangements is a testament to just how popular the Mario Theme Song on piano is. These pieces are good for pianists who can play the easier Beethoven and Mozart piano sonatas and can handle some quick passagework.

  • "Comet Observatory, Rosalina's Waltz" from Super Mario Galaxy. This charming waltz is fast and light on its feet, perfect for developing the delicate touch required for Chopin.
  • "Super Mario Bros. Ragtime Medley" for late intermediate. Arranged in the style of a classic rag, this version of the theme provides a challenge for the left hand with the stride bass. 
  • "Super Mario Odyssey (Main Theme)" for late intermediate. In case you were wondering if anything from the Mario Odyssey Soundtrack was available, the answer is yes.

Advanced Piano

Now we come to the big guns; the arrangements that serve as recital pieces and concert encores. There is nothing more delightful than performing a program of Bach, Brahms, and Rachmaninoff, then ending it with a bit of Koji Kondo. Audiences go wild. Take a look at these suggestions and see what inspires you:

  • "Athletic Theme" from Super Mario World. This fast and exciting piece is rhythmically interesting and equally challenging for both hands. It's over quickly and makes a very good encore.
  • "Super Mario Bros. Main Theme." This is the version that will bring down the house. Full of exciting flourishes to a calypso beat, there's lots to love in this arrangement. 
  • "Super Mario Piano Medley: Classic vs Modern Themes." Can't decide if you like the old or the new themes better? Play both with this ingenious arrangement that incorporates them all. 

Honorable Mentions

There are a few more standout Super Mario Theme Songs you could learn. There's so much to choose from, you can play Mario on the piano for days.

Now Practice

These pieces won't magically leap into your hands. Use the same careful practice techniques that you use with your classical repertoire. Koji Kondo is an excellent composer and his music deserves the same care and diligence you would give to any other. Most importantly, don't forget to have fun while you learn these Mario Theme Song arrangements and enjoy the process.

Sources:

  • https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/level-up-the-evolution-of-video-game-music/
  • https://www.famouscomposers.net/koji-kondo