movies/tv

8 Heroic Marvel Theme Songs to Learn On Piano (From ‘Ant-Man’, ‘Black Panther’, and More)

Musicnotes

Jan 2, 2023 • 4 min read

Maybe you’ve watched (and re-watched) all of the installments of the MCU on the big screen and streaming services, or perhaps you’ve only dipped your toes into the Marvel Universe, picking and choosing your favorite heroes to follow. Whatever your experience with the MCU and your piano expertise, here are nine Marvel theme songs to learn on the piano so you can immerse yourself again in the thrilling universe of mighty heroes, surly villains and, of course, the Blip.

1. The Avengers (Main Theme)

Why not start your musical return to the MCU with the theme that started it all? Beginners can learn to play the original Marvel theme song on piano with a beginner-abridged version, while more experienced players can practice the solo version of The Avengers (Main Theme). When it comes to Marvel theme songs, the central theme gets the adventure started with repeated notes in a dotted rhythm, working up the scale and then descending again in dramatic fashion. Alan Silvestri composed the theme to reference most of the Avengers’ leitmotifs, so this piece truly offers an “Avengers, assemble!” moment to start your performance.

2. Theme From Ant-Man

One of the darker Marvel theme songs, composer Christophe Beck’s theme captures the single-minded energy of an ant with the rising and falling energy of a superhero adventure. The almost ominous tone of the piece, set in the key of G-minor, balances with the repetitive notes in a higher octave. This combination brings to mind the minuscule size of Ant-Man juxtaposed with the greater forces of darkness arrayed against him.

3. Agatha All Along

Compelling, dark and surreal, the WandaVision television series explored the backstory of the Scarlet Witch in a series of dream-like episodes. Much of her story is told through imaginary vintage television music, and the dramatic, revelatory final episode exploits and explodes our expectations with ”Agatha All Along”. Of the Marvel theme songs, “Agatha All Along” wins the prize for most danceable, despite the dreadful truths it reveals. The upbeat chorus pairs with a prominent horn riff in a delightful contrast with the dark and unpleasant story the song tells.

4. Black Panther (Main Theme)

Ludwig Göransson combines modern orchestral arrangements with traditional African rhythms, timbres and styles in the Black Panther‘s main theme song to invite viewers into a tapestry of emotion and action. Marvel theme songs often emphasize the action rather than the character, but Black Panther’s leitmotif highlights T’Challa’s roots, using the African Talking Drum to pound out his name and connect his character to the past and future of Wakandan civilization. Prepare to keep a steady beat on the keys, and watch your dynamics with this one!

5. Main Theme From Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

If you’re looking for a deceptively complex musical challenge, Danny Elfman’s theme for Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness might be just what you’re looking for. Elfman’s extravagant composition style is in full view with this score, including beautiful strings followed by dramatic brass notes. The atmospheric choral interjections and the eccentric ticking clocks make this piece unique among the more familiar Marvel theme songs. They are also entertaining for people playing them on the piano. References to Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D minor” and Beethoven’s “5th Symphony” are like in-jokes for pianists who know how to listen for those allusions.

6. Driving With the Top Down (Main Theme)

Sometimes you just need a rock anthem to get the party started, and Iron Man‘s central theme, “Driving With the Top Down,” lets you rock out, hero-style. The driving rhythm and funky beat present a tonal challenge for traditional pianists. On the other hand, the catchy beat, with repeated bass lines on the left hand and a classic rock and roll melody on the right hand, make the piece a bit easier to replicate for newer players. Experience the pivotal “I am Iron Man” moments with Tony Start all over again when you add this rocking theme to your repertoire of Marvel theme songs.

7. Thor: The Dark World (Main Theme)

Thor doesn’t usually go in for subtlety, as the central musical theme for The Dark World so clearly demonstrates. Alan Taylor’s score goes even farther than most Marvel theme songs in an attempt to evoke the grand scale of the heroic deeds of the MCU, which makes sense when the hero of the narrative is the Norse god of thunder. Go big or go home is the watchword for any of the songs from Thor, and the pulsing beat of this piece in A flat minor sweeps you up into the action on Midgard and beyond.

8. Avengers: Endgame Main Theme (Main on End)

If you want to learn how to play the marvel theme song on piano, start with the first Avengers theme and work your way up to Avengers: Endgame Main Theme. The term “Iconic” is often overused regarding films and music, but the drama and complexity of the Endgame score may have earned the right to the label. As the narrative arc involving Thanos concludes, most of the Marvel theme songs from the MCU films weave into the music of the final film. The quick allegro pacing, set in G minor and composed of seemingly endless sixteenth notes on both hands, rocket you back into the story’s action, from the world’s recovery from the Blip to the climactic battle sequence and Iron Man’s ultimate sacrifice.

You Can Do This All Day

Whether you’re just beginning your hero’s journey in music or have already fulfilled your destiny, learning to play the Marvel theme songs allows you to travel back into the MCU adventure. Our collection includes everything from easy beginner to virtuoso solos for the Marvel theme song on the piano. Find a variety of sheet music for all your favorite MCU movies and television shows at Musicnotes. Install the Musicnotes app to download, organize and sync your music across all your devices.