Rocky Rhythms & Breakfast Belters

Ever chatted with a music teacher who geeks out over movie anthems like they’re secret weapons for inspiration?

Dean Thomas-Lowde, who teaches piano, theory, and more to students across Cheshire and High Peak, joined me on Mix 56 for Movie Anthem Week—sparked by the Golden Globes buzz.

We dove into iconic tracks from Rocky and The Breakfast Club, unpacking how they pump you up or tug at the heartstrings.

Rocky’s Epic Build-Up

Dean’s take on the Rocky training montage score nails why it hooks you: it starts grounded and restrained, layering in rhythm, harmony, and energy as Rocky’s confidence swells.

That rising tempo and melody gives you the emotional high, making even non-boxers like me shadow-punch in our seats.

He ties it straight to his lessons, using film music to show students it’s about communicating feelings over perfect notes.

Breakfast Club’s Emotional Punch

Shifting to 80s classics, Dean picks Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds as a standout from The Breakfast Club – it’s not just an end-credits tune, but the emotional core of the whole story.

As the characters say goodbye on the football pitch, the song wraps everything up perfectly.

He notes how music like Whitney Houston’s from The Bodyguard can even redeem a slated film, turning it into a stage hit.

Why It Matters for Music Learners

Dean teaches in High Peak, Cheshire and Manchester, and online, focusing on beginners to advanced kids and adults in piano, composition, and songwriting.

These movie chats show his approach: film anthems teach emotional impact, from solo piano swells to full orchestral builds with strings and brass.

Perfect for Cheshire students wanting music that moves people, just like his 5-star reviews rave about.

Now where’s my boxing gloves?

• Find out more about Dean and his music lessons here