Adapting Classical Music to Rock Instruments

You are viewing an Expert Village Video Series:

Rock music rooted in classical works. Learn how to convert classical music into rock and roll in this free songwriting video from a professional musician.

There are 15 videos in this series:
Email Series
  • << Back
  • [ 1 ]
  • Next >>
  • 1.
    Adding Blues Beat to Classical Music

    Rock tune rooted in classical works. Learn how to add a blues beat to classical music in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 390
    Playlist
  • 2.
    Changing Time Signatures of Classical Music

    Progressive rock techniques. Learn how to convert classical music in 3/4 signatures to 4/4 time in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 328
    Playlist
  • 3.
    Classical Influence in Rock Music

    Rock Me Amadeus! Learn about ideas and inspiration for rock music in the music of the 1400’s in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 518
    Playlist
  • 4.
    Classical Vs. Rock Guitar Sounds

    Progressive rock incorporates classical influences. Learn about the variations among classical, acoustic, and rock guitar sounds in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 353
    Playlist
  • 5.
    Classical Vs. Rock Piano Sounds

    Roll Over Beethoven! Learn about the variations of the piano sounds from the classical music to modern-day sounds in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 516
    Playlist
  • 6.
    Converting Classical Music to Electric Bass

    Pump up the (classical) volume! Learn about converting the left hand in classical music to the electric bass in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 390
    Playlist
  • 7.
    How Changing Instruments Affects Song

    Different instruments create different moods. Learn how changing instruments can change the outcome of a song in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 323
    Playlist
  • 8.
    How Digital Keyboards Replicate Classical Instruments

    Tips for playing other instruments on synthesizers. Learn about modern keyboards and features common to all digital keyboards in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 396
    Playlist
  • 9.
    How Percussion Sets the Mood of Music

    The drummer sets the tone. Learn about how percussion sets the mood and pace of music in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 309
    Playlist
  • 10.
    How to Jazz Up a Classical Piece

    Jazzing up the original classics. Learn how to adapt a classical piece to jazz in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 351
    Playlist
  • 11.
    Instruments Used in Rock Music

    Rock and roll history lesson. Learn about the history of rock and the instruments used today in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 388
    Playlist
  • 12.
    Loading MIDI Files Into Keyboards

    Tips for using electronic keyboards. Learn about using MIDI files with electric keyboards in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 330
    Playlist
  • 13.
    Organ in Classical and Rock Music

    From churches to the rock and roll stage. Learn about the history of the organ and how it transitioned to rock music in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 361
    Playlist
  • 14.
    Role of Harpsichord in Classical Music

    Classical music history lesson. Learn about the history of the harpsichord in classical music in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 349
    Playlist
  • 15.
    Role of Saxophone in Rock Music

    Tips for playing sax with rock music. Watch an upbeat demonstration utilizing the saxophone in rock music in this free video on how to play classical music on rock instruments.

    Views: 423
    Playlist
  • << Back
  • [ 1 ]
  • Next >>


Summary: Classical and rock music may not seem like a logical mix, yet from the Beatles forward, popular musicians have looked to classical music for inspiration. Progressive rock bands such as Genesis and Yes utilize complex time signatures and instrumental passages that at times seem more like the “long-haired” music of Beethoven and Mozart than contemporary rock and roll. Bands such as Pink Floyd and the Moody Blues have utilized symphony orchestras in their recordings. Even Tom Petty has released orchestral versions of his big hits.

In this free series of music cross pollination videos, professional musician Scott Smith outlines the history of rock and classical music, then discusses how these genres overlap. You will learn how to adapt musical scores written for traditional classical instruments such as the harpsichord and organ to the contemporary electric instruments of rock and pop bands. He discusses how to change time signatures and add the familiar blues beat common to rock and roll music.

About the Expert

Expert: Scott Smith has been a professional musician since the age of fourteen. Throughout his career, he has been both a musician and teacher. Scott as played in southeast Asia for the United Service Organization (USO) during the Vietnam War, where he backed up renowned legend Bob Hope. He continues to play today both as part of a band and as a single entertainer around the world. His passion lies with music of the early 1920’s-1950’s and adopting music of American history to modern-day compositions. Scott’s works include live bands, studio recordings, large concerts, commercials, and feature films.

Miscellaneous Music Ads