Imagine turning your living room into a music studio, where your TV isn’t just for binge-watching shows but for mastering the guitar, bass, or ukulele. That’s exactly what Samsung is making possible with its groundbreaking partnership with Fender. In a move that’s set to redefine how we learn music, 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 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 part of your everyday routine, helping players achieve their goals faster.” By integrating Fender Play into TVs, Samsung is transforming screens into interactive hubs where families and friends can learn, practice, and jam together. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about convenience—it’s about making music accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of skill level.
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 includes step-by-step lessons built around familiar songs, making learning feel less like work and more like fun. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the app promises high-quality, interactive lessons, it does require users to provide their own instrument and may involve additional subscriptions or app downloads. Is this a small price to pay for convenience, or a barrier for beginners? Let’s discuss in the comments.**
One of the standout features is Jam Mode, which lets players pick a fun background and play along with curated tracks from various genres, essentially turning their TV into a personal stage. This feature alone could revolutionize how aspiring musicians practice, blending learning with performance in a way that’s both motivating and entertaining. Samsung will preview this experience at CES 2026, showcasing how its industry-leading picture and sound quality enhance the immersive learning journey.
Cliff Kim, VP of Growth Strategy at Fender and President of the Fender Play Foundation, highlights the partnership’s broader impact: “Our mission has always been to educate and inspire players globally, and this collaboration gives music lovers the chance to learn and practice directly on their Samsung TV.” With Fender Play’s high-quality lessons and Samsung’s technological prowess, this partnership aims to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement for music enthusiasts worldwide.
The app is set to launch in the first half of 2026, available on 2025 and later Samsung TVs in 49 countries across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. For Australians eager to stay updated, Samsung has opened registrations for the latest product news and special offers via their website. But here’s the bigger question: as technology continues to blur the lines between entertainment and education, will initiatives like this democratize music learning, or will they create new divides? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear your take on this game-changing partnership.
