From Chopin to Yiruma: Teaching the Music You Love to Play
This performance of “River Flows in You” bridges the lyrical simplicity of modern piano music with the depth of classical tradition. Though my channel often highlights composers like Chopin, I believe great piano teaching should welcome every piece that moves a student to play.
About “River Flows in You”
Yiruma (born Lee Ru-ma) composed “River Flows in You” in 2001, and it has since become one of the most beloved contemporary piano pieces worldwide. The piece gained additional popularity when it was mistakenly associated with the Twilight film series, though it was actually written years before the movies. Its flowing arpeggios and memorable melody have made it a favorite request among piano students, particularly teenagers and young adults.
The piece showcases Yiruma’s signature style, which combines classical piano technique with contemporary sensibilities. It’s accessible enough for intermediate players while offering opportunities to develop expressive playing and pedaling technique.
Why I Teach Both Classical and Contemporary
Some piano teachers focus exclusively on classical repertoire. While I deeply love teaching Chopin, Bach, and the great masters, I also recognize that students come to piano with diverse musical interests. A teenager inspired by Yiruma’s contemporary sound is just as valuable a student as one who dreams of playing Chopin’s nocturnes. The technical skills developed through pieces like “River Flows in You” – smooth legato playing, expressive phrasing, coordinated pedaling, and dynamic control – transfer directly to classical repertoire. Whether we’re working on Yiruma or Chopin, we’re building the same foundational skills.
Meeting Students Where They Are
My teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are musically and helping them grow from there. If a student walks in excited about a contemporary piece they heard online, that enthusiasm is the perfect starting point for their musical journey. We can build technique through music they love, and often that opens doors to exploring other styles, including the classical repertoire I’m passionate about.
I’ve had students start with contemporary pieces and later develop deep appreciation for Romantic era composers. The reverse is also true – classical students sometimes discover they enjoy exploring modern compositions. Great music teaching isn’t about limiting students to one genre; it’s about helping them develop skills and appreciation across the musical landscape.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re interested in learning Chopin’s virtuosic polonaises or Yiruma’s contemporary compositions, the goal remains the same: developing musicianship, technique, and a lifelong love of making music at the piano. I’m here to guide students through whatever musical journey inspires them.
Want to learn “River Flows in You” or tackle some Chopin? Call/text me at 503-502-0706 to learn more about lessons, or subscribe to my YouTube channel @PianoJil for more piano performances across various styles.
