Halloween hits in the ROLI Learn app
Set the mood with a scream-worthy soundtrack and play along with Piano M
Halloween is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than by learning to play some spine-tingling tunes on the piano? Whether you’re new to the piano or looking to expand your repertoire with seasonal classics, ROLI Learn app and Piano M turn tricky piano playing into a treat. Let's set the scene for screams with a curation of songs that will give your friends and family chills.
Haunting classics for a spooky ambience
Let’s start with the haunting melodies of J.S. Bach’s Toccata in D Minor and Bernard Herrmann’s Prelude from Psycho. Both pieces are perfect for Halloween and give any room an eerie atmosphere, whether you’re planning a costume party or setting the scene for trick-or-treaters.
Instantly recognisable, Toccata and Fugue in D minor is known for its dramatic organ opening, meanwhile Herrmann’s Prelude is iconic for its suspenseful, stabbing notes that bring to mind the chilling scenes of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Playing these pieces can help you practice precision, timing, and emotion in your performance — a must for any budding pianist.
Contemporary pop hits for a halloween theme
If you’re looking for more contemporary Halloween music, the ROLI Learn app also has some eerie pop favorites like Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy and Bury a Friend, as well as Olivia Rodrigo’s Vampire. These tracks are perfect for younger learners or fans of modern music who want something fun and easy to recognize.
Bad Guy and Bury a Friend both carry Eilish’s signature dark, moody vibe, making them ideal for adding a touch of mystery to your Halloween. Meanwhile, Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo combines sharp lyrics with a catchy melody.
Hard rock hits for Halloween
Halloween wouldn’t be complete without some classic rock anthems, and the ROLI Learn app has some great ones: AC/DC’s Highway to Hell and Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival to start. Both songs are perfect for the rock-loving pianist and feature unforgettable riffs that are fun to play.
Highway to Hell brings a little edge and attitude to Halloween festivities, while Bad Moon Rising adds a sense of foreboding—like something eerie is just around the corner. There’s also Werewolves of London by Warren Zevon, a playful choice for anyone channeling their inner werewolf this season. Playing these tunes will also help you work on rhythm and chord changes, essential skills for any rock pianist.
Soundtrack favorites to bring Halloween to life
Halloween is synonymous with iconic movie and TV soundtracks. Film and TV have given us some of our favorite horror themes and are a constant source of inspiration for Halloween costumes. With that in mind, we’ve chosen some of the best available in the ROLI Learn app.
Bring famous Halloween-worthy soundscapes straight to your piano with songs like Bella’s Lullaby from Twilight by Carter Burwell for some vampiric vibes, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera theme or appreciate the works of film composition legend John Williams with the Imperial March from Star Wars. Each track offers a unique challenge, from the haunting arpeggios in Phantom of the Opera to the menacing march of Darth Vader's theme.
For a more niche Halloween choice, film and music fans alike can learn Gary Jules and Michael Andrews’ interpretation of Mad World, originally by Tears for Fears, turned into a sci-fi thriller theme featured in Donnie Darko. These pieces are excellent for creating a mood of suspense and mystery, making them a hit at Halloween gatherings or even just to enjoy in the comfort of your home.
And for TV fans, there’s Gustavo Santaolalla’s The Last of Us theme and Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill, which recently saw renewed popularity after being featured in Stranger Things. These songs will allow you to connect with some of today’s most iconic pop culture moments and add a thematic twist to the music you can play for Halloween.
Keeping up with the Stranger Things theme, check out Nandi Bushell's 'Stranger Things' Eleven Halloween Costume featuring a supernatural performance using Airwave and Piano M.
Whether you’re aiming for eerie classical pieces, catchy pop tunes, thrilling rock anthems, or famous soundtrack themes, there’s something in the ROLI Learn app for every Halloween occasion. So grab your Piano M, put on your favorite costume, and let these Halloween hits set the tone for a season filled with music, fun, and a touch of the supernatural.
