Dream Theater - The Best of Times (Intro) + Sheet Music + Chord Reference + Isolated Tracks
The intro of The Best of Times stands as one of the most emotional openings in progressive rock.
This lesson presents a detailed reconstruction of the original arrangement performed by Jordan Rudess, capturing the piano part alongside the full orchestral texture of strings and violin.
Each harmonic movement, dynamic swell, and layered interaction has been structured to reflect the depth and nuance of the original recording, while remaining clear and playable at the instrument.
Performance Video (with Sheet Overlay)
The video is structured into three consecutive sections to isolate each layer while preserving the full musical context.
Piano Performance (Full Intro)
A complete performance of the intro as played, with synchronized sheet music overlay.
While the focus is on the piano, the audio includes the full arrangement (piano, strings, violin), allowing you to hear how the part sits within the orchestration.
Strings Focus
A dedicated visual focus on the string section while maintaining the full audio environment.
Violin Focus
A focused visual section highlighting the violin layer within the orchestral texture.
This structure allows you to clearly observe each layer while understanding how they function together as a cohesive musical statement.
Chord & Score Reference
The full score captures:
the piano part as performed
structured string and violin notation
clear voicings and harmonic movement
Designed for practical use, the layout allows you to move efficiently between analysis and performance.
Full Arrangement
A complete audio version including:
piano
strings
violin
Useful for playing along, studying balance, and understanding how the arrangement evolves dynamically.
Access the full multitracks for The Best of Times by Dream Theater, including isolated drums, bass, guitars, and keyboards.
These tracks are aligned for playback, practice, and recording, allowing you to work on the complete arrangement in context. Study the interaction between instruments, refine timing and articulation, and build your own interpretation using detailed, separated audio.
Designed for musicians working on progressive rock and metal, these isolated tracks provide a clear view of the structure and layering of the full composition.
Full keyboard arrangement (piano, strings and violin) sheet music forThe Best of Times (Intro) by Dream Theater, which stands as one of the most emotional openings in progressive rock.
This score captures the complete arrangement (including the chords’ references) with accurate notation, allowing musicians to study, practice, and perform one of Dream Theater’s most iconic progressive metal sections.
Designed for serious players, this transcription reflects the harmonic detail, rhythmic precision, and layered interplay between instruments, making it ideal for individual practice or full band performance.
Practice Material (and how to use it)
You’re getting full isolated multitracks of the arrangement — including piano, strings and violin.
This allows you to work directly with each layer and understand how the harmonic movement and orchestration interact across the full intro.
Best way to study it
Start by watching the full performance while following the score and overall structure.
Then loop specific sections and switch between layers:
piano to focus on phrasing and articulation
strings to understand harmonic support and movement
violin to analyze melodic direction and expression
Finally, combine all layers and play along, using the score as a reference while the full context is running.
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