Ideal for computer enthusiasts, Modem Madness is an appealing piece with a crisp and energetic drive. A wonderful teaching tool for reinforcing hand crossovers, quickly-changing articulations, and minor scales and chords.
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Melody Bober composes piano music with classroom impact in mind, drawing on two decades of teaching experience to write pieces that build technique while sustaining student motivation. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, summa cum laude, and continued her studies at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, where she completed a Master of Arts in piano performance.
Bober's teaching career spans public school, university, and private studio settings, complemented by active work as a church pianist, accompanist, and former music director. Her teachers included pianists Joel Shapiro and Andrew Froelich, educator Mary Hoffman, and jazz pianist Tony Caramia. Recognized for her engaging compositions and teaching insight, she appears regularly as a clinician at piano teacher conventions and workshops throughout North America.
Why we love this
Bober has engineered a piece that feels genuinely fun to play while delivering serious technical work. The energetic, modern character keeps students engaged through passages that demand precision and coordination, making practice sessions feel purposeful rather than remedial.
What to expect
Modern Madness captures the rapid, purposeful energy of digital environments with crisp articulations and driving rhythms. Despite its accessibility, the piece maintains sophistication through its lean textures and smart harmonic choices, creating something that sounds polished and intentional rather than quirky or merely novelty-driven.
Who it's for
Intermediate piano students who thrive on contemporary, engaging repertoire and benefit from technical challenges embedded in musical contexts rather than isolated exercises. This piece suits students developing hand independence and coordination, particularly those preparing recitals or looking for teaching pieces that combine technique building with audience appeal.
How to get the most out of it
Map out the hand crossover passages before full tempo work. Isolate each crossing pattern and establish smooth, controlled motion at a moderate speed, then gradually increase tempo as coordination improves.
Layer the articulation changes gradually. Practice one or two measures at a time with clear separation between staccato and legato, locking in the rhythmic pattern before adding speed.
Use the minor scale and chord progressions as anchoring points. Reinforce these harmonic landmarks during practice so your hands anticipate position shifts automatically.
How to use it
Feature this as a recital opener or mid-program brightener. Its contemporary appeal and computer-themed title make it ideal for student showcase concerts, holiday programs, or any occasion where you want to demonstrate that piano repertoire extends beyond classical standards.
Skills your students will build
Hand crossovers and independence
Rapid articulation changes between staccato and legato
Minor scale navigation and harmonic awareness
Rhythmic precision and tempo control
Refined touch and tone production at varying dynamic levels
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