Video Killed the Radio Star

by The Buggles

Video Killed the Radio Star

The Buggles, arr. Geoff Downes

Loading the score
Arranged by Geoff DownesLv 51·Fluent4:17

Rewritten for piano by another musician.

Rate this sheet

About Video Killed the Radio Star

Piano sheet music for Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles, free to view and play along. Grade 4 (Intermediate (Grade 4)) piece suitable for students at about grade 4 level.

"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles is a grade 4-level piano piece with a duration of approximately 4:17. A Grade 4 piece featuring sixteenth notes, triplets, and a larger repertoire of techniques. Suitable for confident intermediate players. This arrangement is ideal for pianists with 3-4 years of experience. The Buggles's composition showcases sixteenth notes and triplets and key signatures up to 4 sharps/flats, making it an excellent choice for developing these essential skills.

Released in 1979, 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles is a pioneering synth-pop song that reflects on the impact of technology on music. Its catchy melody and innovative sound made it a defining track of the era.

Is it right for you?

Who it's for

  • Students at about Grade 4 level
  • Self-taught pianists with solid fundamentals
  • Those comfortable with varied repertoire
  • Players looking to expand their technique

Skill level: Grade 4

Level
Intermediate (Grade 4)
Experience
3-4 years
Length
4:17

What you'll learn

Technical skills

  • Scales and arpeggios
  • Sixteenth note passages
  • Triplet patterns
  • Independent hand movement
  • Pedal technique
  • Varied articulation

Musical concepts

  • Sixteenth notes and triplets
  • Key signatures up to 4 sharps/flats
  • Expressive dynamics
  • Tempo variations (ritardando, accelerando)
  • Musical phrasing

How long it takes

To learn

3-5 weeks with dedicated practice

Practice time

30-60 minutes daily

To master

6-10 weeks to performance-ready

Practice tips

  1. Analyze the piece structure before starting
  2. Practice difficult sections at half tempo
  3. Focus on musical expression, not just notes
  4. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement
  5. Work on maintaining consistent tempo

Need fingering? Add finger numbers to Video Killed the Radio Star with our free piano fingering tool.

Frequently asked questions

Listen on Apple Music

0:00 / 0:00