Imagine turning your living room into a personal music studio, where learning to play the guitar, bass, or ukulele becomes as easy as flipping through TV channels. That’s exactly what Samsung is making possible with its groundbreaking partnership with Fender. In a move that’s set to revolutionize how we approach music education, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced an exclusive global collaboration with Fender, the iconic guitar brand, to bring the world’s first TV-optimized version of Fender Play directly to Samsung TVs starting in 2026. But here’s where it gets even more exciting: this isn’t just another app—it’s a fully immersive, screen-based learning experience designed to fit seamlessly into your daily life.
Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, puts it perfectly: “With video-based lessons on Samsung TVs, learning an instrument becomes a natural part of your routine, helping players achieve their goals faster.” By integrating Fender Play into TVs, Samsung is transforming the traditional screen into a hub for creativity, where families and individuals can learn, practice, and even perform together. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about learning; it’s about making music a shared experience.
Here’s how it works: Users can choose from four instruments—electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, or ukulele—and dive into on-demand courses tailored to their skill level. Each course features step-by-step lessons built around familiar songs, making the learning process both fun and relatable. But here’s the controversial bit: While the app promises accessibility, it does require users to provide their own instrument, and additional subscriptions or downloads might apply. Is this a barrier to entry, or a fair trade for high-quality content? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
One of the standout features is Jam Mode, which lets players select a fun background and play along with curated tracks from various genres, effectively turning their TV screen into a virtual stage. It’s a feature that’s sure to keep beginners engaged and motivated, especially with Samsung’s unmatched picture and sound quality enhancing the experience. Speaking of which, with 20 consecutive years of leading the global TV market, Samsung’s reliability ensures that the learning journey remains smooth and uninterrupted.
Cliff Kim, VP of Growth Strategy at Fender and President of the Fender Play Foundation, shares the enthusiasm: “Our mission has always been to educate and inspire players globally, and this partnership gives music lovers the chance to learn and practice with Fender Play’s interactive lessons directly on their Samsung TV.” It’s a bold statement, but does it live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but the potential is undeniable.
Samsung will offer a live preview of this innovative experience at CES 2026, giving attendees a firsthand look at how immersive music learning can be. The app is slated for release in the first half of 2026, and for those in Australia eager to stay updated, registration is open at https://www.samsung.com/au/handraiserces/.
Here’s the fine print: Fender Play will be available on 2025 and later Samsung TV models in 49 countries across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. An internet connection and Samsung account are required, and content services may change without notice. So, is this the future of music education, or just a flashy gimmick? Let us know what you think—we’re all ears!
