The Anime Pianist
What does it mean to be an “Anime Pianist”? There is currently no definitive definition but I predict that this title will become more popular in the future as anime fandom continuously expands.
Many people are playing the piano arrangements of their favourite anime songs. At the same time, many Youtubers are also calling themselves “Anime Pianists”. While the definition that I will provide may not be the definitive definition used in the future, it offers my perspective on this phenomenon:
“An anime pianist is someone who meaningfully engages with anime music specifically arranged for the piano and performs it on a regular basis. This individual may or may not have formal training but is able to demonstrate musical nuance, expressiveness and technical proficiencies.”
In classical music, composers were often given nicknames but they rarely use them. However, many anime pianists embrace this practice and go by their alias. The idea of having an alias for public presentation but also as an artistic identity allows individuals to stand out and establish their brand. At the same time, many anime pianists have anime avatars that may or may not resemble themselves.
Due to the growing popularity of Anime, the term “Anime Pianist” has become more relevant.
Anime Pianists, A New Breed of Musicians?
Anime pianists engage in the performance of anime piano music, encompassing both original piano solos composed for animes and arrangements of anime songs.
Anime Piano Music
Anime Piano Music can be defined as any piano music that has an anime origin. What is unique is that the vast majority of the repertoire are arrangements and transcriptions of anime songs while very few are original solo works.
With the rise of anime pianists and anime piano music, it is reasonable to ask how it would affect the classical music community.
“I hope that anime piano music will be more recognized among classical piano teachers and more people will start arranging their favourite music on the piano as well. The piano still has so much music to offer and I am sure that more and more people will discover the appeal of anime piano, especially with YouTube becoming mainstream nowadays. Perhaps one day, “piano arrangement of pop music” can even be an elective in a music conservatory.”
- Animenz 2024 (Email Interview)