How To Play O Holy Night

Traditional Christmas Eve supper in Poland - dishes (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's Christmas Eve and I've just returned home from our church service. I love singing Christmas songs and this one is so pretty to play on the piano with lots of arpeggio chords in the right hand. It's written in 6/8 time, played in the Key of C. You've heard so many talented folks sing this one.

O Holy Night

Intro: C

C                 F                   C
O holy night, the stars are brightly shining
C                      G              C
It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth
C                     F              C
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
      F#˚/C   Em          B7            Em
'Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
  G                  C
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
   G                C
For yonder breaks, a new and glorious morn
Am            Em       Dm             Am
Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices
  C  G    C  F
O night divine
  C   G                C
O night when Christ was born
  G   G7    C F  D˚ C    G               C
O night, divine, O night when Christ was born

Verse 2:
Led by the light of faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here came the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings, lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger
Behold, your king
Before Him lowly bend
Behold, your king before Him lowly bend

Verse 3:
Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love, and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name
Christ is the Lord, O praise His name forever
His power and glory ever more proclaim

Chord Breakdown

 The right hand has single eighth notes to play. Here's a pattern to follow when playing single bass notes in the left hand: (no particular order)

L.H. / R.H.

C = C/ E, C, G  - G, G, C

F = F/ F, C, A - A, A, C

G = G/ D, B, G - G, G, B

F˚/C = C/F#, A, C

Em = E/G, G, B - E, G, B

B7 = B/F#, A, B - D#, A, B

Em = E/E, B, G - G, G, B

Am = A/E, C, A - A, A, C

Dm = D/F, D, A - A, A, D

G7 = G/D, G, B - F, G, B

D˚ = D/F, Ab, B

Christmas Midi Files

Printable PDF

Here are some Poinsettia's in my yard. Red seems to be the color of the season.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• How To Play Away In A Manger
• Altering Chords
• Primary and Secondary Triads Figured Bass
• The History of Reading Music Notes

Most Popular Posts on LadyDpiano

photo credit: veggiegretz

 I've been reflecting on LadyDpiano's top blog posts over the years. It's always good to look at the stats and see what readers like the most. Maybe you'll discover some chord progressions to your favorite songs here. Thanks again for stopping by. Wishing you the best with piano practice!

1. Piano Chords: Let It Be

(Page views 42, 173)

Let It Be

2. Beginner Music Steps: The Wheels On The Bus

(Page views 10, 468)

Wheels On The Bus

3. Free Halloween Music

(Page views 10, 121)

Halloween Music

4. Love Story: Taylor Swift

(Page views 9, 313)

Love Story

5. How To Play Amazing Grace: Jazz Style

(Page views 7, 915)

Amazing Grace

6. How To Play Set Fire to the Rain: Adele

(Page views 7, 357)

Adele

7. How To Play As The Deer

(Page views 5, 959)

As The Deer

8. Chords To Hero by Mariah Carey

(Page views 5, 050)

Hero

9. Piano Chords: Praise Him In Advance

(Page views 4, 236)

Marvin Sapp

10. Marvin Sapp: There Is None Like You

(Page views 2, 483)

Marvin Sapp

Right now Jermaine Griggs is having a huge sale on tons of inventory. You might want to check it out and pick up Christmas Keys1, too.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

3 Quick Tips About the Earliest Age

photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Monday Mailbox

"Please advise me what you think is the earliest age at which a child may begin to study the piano."

Teacher Talk

No age is too early to begin piano lessons. I say the earlier the better! It's a green light to begin if the child is musical and eager to learn, and if the teacher is stimulating and imaginative enough.

But one must realize:

That expression at the piano during the preschool years is purely physical - the joy of swing, movement and sound; therefore all stiffness and conscious striving must be guarded against. After all, they're just kids and their tiny hands are not fully developed. Plus, their attention span is limited.
   
That music existed before notes - therefore the child must, for a time, be unhampered by the       printed page. Rote or ear-playing should be the rule until the piano is thoroughly explored, and the approach to it is confident and easy. Note reading should of course be taught, but not simultaneously with the playing of "pieces," however short. The length of this rote period, depends, naturally upon the child's ability.

That all music played should be short, often less than a four measure phrase, for even that much may be too complicated technically for the preschool child. Such motives as the following may be played all over the keyboard and in many keys.

Bass notes: left hand plays C and right hand plays F (two times)
Treble notes: left hand plays Bb, Ab, Gb and right hand plays Bb

The idea in each case is complete, yet simple enough to be expressed happily and musically. Any teacher can "make up" dozens of these short, amusing figures for the beginner.

There is so much excellent material for beginners available to teachers and parents. Here's a list of a few that I use and am familiar with. These are helpful for kindergarten and early elementary kids.

Beginner Books: Primer Level



10 Easy Lessons Piano Young Beginner



A Charlie Brown Christmas: Beginning Piano Solos

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• The History of Reading Music Notes
• 5 Things About Sight Reading Music
• Primary and Secondary Triads Figured Bass

How To Play Away In A Manger

photo credit: phaewilk

Some time ago I posted several arrangements of the traditional Christmas carol, Away In A Manger in the Key of E, F, and G. You can find the charts, here. The song was written by Martin Luther, Eugene Clark and Carl Mueller. It's a familiar melody line and we all pretty much know the song.

There's a different melody that may not be as recognizable that I found online. Here's a nice arrangement by William J. Kirkpatrick in the Key of F, played in 3/4 time. It almost sounds like a children's lullaby.

Chord Chart

       F        Gm/Bb   Dm           F                 Bb   Gm7 C7
Away in a manger no crib for a bed
 Gm  Bb     C    F9 F      Bb13   G7    Bb          C
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head
    F        Gm   F                    Bb  Gm7  C7
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay
 Gm Gm7     C    F9  F Bb13   G7 C7 F
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay

     F     Gm/Bb Dm       F    Bb  Gm7 C7                    
The cattle are lowing the Baby awakes
 Gm  Bb    C    F9 F     Bb13 G7 Bb C
But little Lord Jesus no crying He makes
 F          Gm    F                   Bb  Gm7 C7
I love Thee Lord Jesus look down from the sky
 Gm  Gm7    C   F9  F      Bb13 G7  C7  F
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh

      F                  Gm/Bb  Dm            F                  Bb    Gm7 C7
Be near me Lord Jesus I ask Thee to stay
 Gm    Bb    C  F9 F     Bb13 G7 Bb C 
Close by me forever and love me I pray
      F       Gm    F                  Bb  Gm7 C7  
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care
 Gm  Gm7    C   F9  F    Bb13 G7   C7   F
And take us to heaven to live with thee there

Chord Breakdown

F = AF/CF

Gm/Bb = BbF/DG

Dm = D/AF

F = FA/FC

Bb = Bb/D

Gm7 = GD/FBb

C7 = CE/BbCE

Gm = BbD/G

Bb = D/FBb

C = EC/GC

F9 = FC/GA

F = FC/FA

Bb13 = BbF/DG

G7 = G/D

Bb = DF/BbF

C = CG/CE

F = FC/AF

Gm = FC/BbG

F = FC/AF

Bb = Bb/D

Gm7 = GD/FBb

C7 = GC/E

Gm = Bb/DG

Gm7 = GD/FBb

C = EC/GC

F9 = FC/GA

F = FC/FA

Bb13 = BbF/DG

G7 = G/D

C7 = CE/CE

F = FC/AF

With Instant Transposer Software, you can play songs in any key. Learn how...

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Primary Chords to Know
• 144 Chords To Know

Thanksgiving Blessings!

It's always good to reflect on the good things we have in life and be thankful!

I want you to know how thankful I am for you and all of the support you've given LadyDpiano and PianoDiana throughout the year.

Just a quick note while I'm vacationing with family. Soon I'll be back in the saddle again!

Happy Thanksgiving!

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

Blessings,

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

There Is Power: Lincoln Brewster

 If you're looking for a simple chord chart to There Is Power, you'll find it, here. Integrity Praise Music released the chords to the song in 2014 by Lincoln Brewster and Mia Fieldes. Here's what I'm playing and then I'll break it down for you.

Intro:

G2  Asus  Bm7  Asus  G2  Asus

 Verse 1:

Bm7    F#m     G2
 Where two or more are gathered in his name
 Bm7 F#m G2
 He is there, oh
Bm7   F#m      G2
 For all who come, who run to him in faith
 Bm7 F#m G2
 He is there


Chorus:
         G2                    A
There is power in the name of Jesus
Bm7   A   G2                  A
There is power, power in his name
          G2                   A
There is power in the name of Jesus
Bm7   A  G2                   A
There is power, power in his name


Verse 2:

Bm7       F#m    G2 

 No fear, no lie can stand against us now
Bm7  F#m G2
 He is here, whoa
Bm7       F#m    G2
 The word has come to silence every doubt
Bm7  F#m G2
 He is here


(Chorus)


Instrumental:
G    Asus  Bm  A  G  Asus  Bm  A


Bridge: 

G 

One name, one name can save
Asus      Bm         A
 One name breaks every chain
G
 One name, always
Asus       Bm  A    
 One name, Je-sus
G
 One name, one name remains
Asus       Bm        A
 One name, we will proclaim
G
 One name, always
Asus Bm
 One name


(Chorus x2)


Ending:
G           A
 Woah-ah-oh-oh
          Bm       A
 There's power in his name
G           A
 Woah-ah-oh-oh
            Bm   A    G2
 There's power in his name
G
 Woah-ah-oh-oh   Woah-ah-oh-oh

So, there's lots of octaves played in the left hand throughout the chorus. With the intro, the melody notes in the right hand have sets of sixteenth notes in a measure. It looks like this:

G2 = G/D, C#, D, A (single notes)
Asus = A/D, C#, D, A
Bm7 = B/D, A, D, C#
Asus = A/D, C#, D, E
G2 = G/D, C#, D, A
Asus = A/D, C#, D, A

This right hand pattern continues through the chorus and you can play it an octave higher, too.

Second verse goes like this:

Bm = B/F#BD
F#m = F#/F#AC#
G = G/GBD
Asus = A/ADE

If you're not familiar with this fast pace song, listen to it on YouTube 
I think you'll really like it.

I just love how the fast run towards the ending softens and fades away.

Enjoy!

If you'd like to learn more about modes of a major scale or learn to play minor scales, check out 300pg Piano By Ear Home Study Course

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin'
Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, too!

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

The History of Reading Music Notes

 So often I am asked if I would teach students online how to read music notes. I have done a few posts on the subject but oh my goodness... it would take a little awhile of repetitive teaching to go over the lines and spaces of the treble and bass staff. Then the rest is up to you to learn with practice over time. For some, especially with adults, you'll be a quick learner.

Anne Crosby is one of my favorite online teachers. These next charts are from http://pianoanne.ca/

• Treble Clef Space Notes: F - A - C - E (I Look At You And I See Your FACE)

•  Treble Clef Line Notes: E - G - B - D - F (Every Good Boy Does Fine)

• Bass Clef Space Notes: A - C - E - G (All Cows Eat Grass)

• Bass Clef Line Notes: G - B - D- F - A (Good Boys Do Fine Always)

There are so many free and low cost apps/games online for you to use on reading notes. The old fashioned way is to make or purchase flash cards. I love these powerful learning resources through repetition. If you're online a lot of the time and you are a visual learner, check out these great sites.

If your curious about the history of reading music notes, wikipedia offers some valuable information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_notation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape_note

 Online Links

1. http://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note

Great in identifying notes for older students.

 

2. http://musicteachersgames.com/linesSpaces

Simple and advanced reading of the staff notes.

3. http://www.musictechteacher.com/music_quizzes/quiz_word_warrior_treble.htm

Identifying words by answering the music notes.

4. http://www.teoria.com/

5. http://www.emusictheory.com/

Hope this is helpful in kick-starting your journey to reading music notes on the staff.

You may be interested in, Musician Transformation 44pg Guide (Free Download)

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Boogie Your Way To Dexterity
• The 9th Chord
• Play Diminished 7th, Half Diminished 7th Chords
• Primary and Secondary Triads Figured Bass
• Altering Chords

How To Play Worth It All

Ben Cantelon, Jonathan Smith, Benji Cowart and Jason Ingram wrote a beautiful song, Worth It All from the album 'Everything in Colour' that I absolutely love. It's so very easy to play with a relaxed rhythm in the Key of E. The chords mostly played over and over are C#m7, A2, E, B.

 Intro

C#m7  A2  E (2xs)

Verse 1

C#m7  A2         E                        C#m7      A2          E

 All I am, Lord here before You, reaching out for more     

C#m7        A2      E          B/D#  C#m7     A2           E

You're the promise never failing, You are my reward   

  C#m7  A2         E

You are my reward 

Chorus

        A             E                  C#m7         B

I let go of all I have, just to have all of You

             A                       E               C#m7   B

And no matter what the cost I will follow You

            A                     E                 C#m7    B

Jesus, everything I've lost I have found in You

              A                       E           B

When I finally reach the end I'll say

                              C#m7  A2  E

You are worth it all                    

Verse 2

C#m7         A2       E                    C#m7        A2   E

 There's no riches, earthly treasure that will satisfy        

C#m7   A2     E              B/D# C#m7    A2        E

 Every longing for You, Jesus, set this heart on fire

C#m7    A2          E

 Set this heart on fire

Chorus

      A           E             C#m7        B
I let go of all I have, just to have all of You
       A               E            C#m7  B
And no matter what the cost I will follow You
       A               E           C#m7     B
Jesus, everything I've lost I have found in You
       A                 E           B
When I finally reach the end I'll say
                 A   C#m7 B     
You are worth it all

alternate ending)

B                         A    C#m7  B

You are worth it all               

You are worth it all               

Bridge

 

Amaj7                             E/G#
 When I'm there in Your glorious presence 
  Bsus                  C#m7                  
 Every knee is bowed before You
Amaj7                     E/G#    Bsus          C#m7
Hear the sound of heaven singing: You are worth it all
Amaj7               E/G#
All the saints cry Holy, Holy
Bsus                     C#m7
 Angels singing worthy, worthy
Amaj7                      E/G#      Bsus         C#m7             
 Forever I will shout Your praises: You are worth it all
Amaj7                            E/G#                              
 When I'm there in Your glorious presence 
Bsus                 C#m7                      
 Every knee is bowed before You
Amaj7                      E/G#    Bsus            C#m7
Hear the sound of heaven singing: You are worth it all
A
All the saints cry Holy, Holy
B
 Angels singing worthy, worthy
A/C#                               B/D#                A  C#m7
 Forever I will shout Your praises: You are worth it all
B                   A C#m7 B
You are worth it all

Chorus (2xs)

      A           E             C#m7        B
I let go of all I have, just to have all of You
       A               E            C#m7  B
And no matter what the cost I will follow You
       A               E           C#m7     B
Jesus, everything I've lost I have found in You
       A                 E           B
When I finally reach the end I'll say
                 A   C#m7 B     
You are worth it all

Enjoy the song and if you're thinking about, 'How do I find the key to a song?', take a look at this music resource from Hear and Play... Finding The Key

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

Related articles

• Talking About Inversions
• Boogie Your Way To Dexterity
• 5 Best Blogs To Follow About Jazz

Boogie Your Way To Dexterity

Boogie Woogie patterns are not only fun, but a great way to develop finger (and, in the case of organists, foot) dexterity. Here are some patterns to practice, based on the 12 bar blues form.

The first patterns are for the right hand alone. Next, there is a variety of left hand Boogie bass lines. Finally, there are two examples of organ pedal patterns. For the last pattern, get your right foot off the volume pedal and play the upper notes in each eighth-note grouping!

All patterns can be played together, so get your musician friends to join in... or create a duet with yourself by taping one set and playing along with the recording using a new set of patterns the second time around.

 Boogie Your Way To Dexterity

By Bonita Luciotti

Right Hand Pattern #1

 4/4 time, play 3 notes in a triplet:

C/C, D, E, E, F, G, G, F, E, E, D, C // C, D, E, E, F, G, G, F, E, E, D, C // repeat

4/4 time play 3 eighth notes as a triplet:

F/F, G, A, A, Bb, C // repeat // C/C, D, E, E, F, G, G, F, E, E, D, C // repeat

G/G, A, B, B, C, D, D, C, B, B, A, G // F/F, G, A, A, Bb, C, C, Bb, A, A, G, F

C/C, D, E, E, F, G,G, F, E, E, D, C // repeat // repeat // C, rest, C, rest //

Right Hand Pattern #2

C/E, F, G, G, A, Bb, Bb, A, G, G, F, E // repeat // repeat //

F/A, Bb, C, C, D, Eb, Eb, D, C, C, Bb, A // repeat // C/E, F, G, G, A, Bb, Bb, A, G, G, F, E //

repeat // G/B, C, D, D, E, F, F, E, D, D, C, B // F/A, Bb, C, C, D, Eb, Eb, D, C, C, Bb, A

C/E, F, G, G, A, Bb, Bb, A, G, G, F, E // repeat // repeat // E, rest, E, rest //

Left Hand Pattern #1

/CG,  /CG, Eb, E,  /CG,  /CG, Eb, E // repeat // repeat // repeat //

/FC, /FC, Ab, A, /FC, /FC, Ab, A // /FC, /FC, Ab, A, /FC, Ab, A //

/CG, /CG, Eb, E, CG, CG, Eb, E / repeat / /GD, /GD, Bb, B, GD, GD, Bb, B //

/FC, /FC, Ab, A, /FC, /FC, Ab, A // /CG, /CG, Eb, E, /CG, CG, Eb, E // repeat //

/CG, /CG, Eb, E, /CG, /CG, Eb, E, /CG, rest, /CG, rest //

Left Hand Pattern #2 (done in jazz eighths)

Use the octaves on the downbeat of each measure and then on & 4 &

1  &  2  &  3   &  4   &

C, C, E, F, F#, G, G, G // repeat // repeat // repeat //

F, F, A, Bb, B, C, C, C // repeat // C, C, E, F, F#, G, G, G // repeat // G, G, B, C, C#, D, D, D // 

F, F, A, Bb, B, C, C, C // C, C, E, F, F#, G, G, G // repeat // repeat // C, rest, C, rest //

Left Hand Pattern #3 (done in "jazz eighths')

C, C, E, E, G, G, A, A // Bb, Bb, A, A, G, G, E, E // C, C, E, E, G, G, A, A //

Bb, Bb, A, A, G, G, E, E // F, F, A, A, C, C, D, D // Eb, Eb, D, D, C, C, A, A //

C, C, E, E, G, G, A, A, // Bb, Bb, A, A, G, G, E, E // g, G, B, B, D, D, B, B //

F, F, A, A, C, C, A, A // C, C, E, E, G, G, A, A, // Bb, Bb, A, A, G, G, E, E // 

C, C, E, E, G, G, A, A // C, rest /CC, rest //

Spinet Pedals

C, E, G, A // Bb, A, G, E // C, E, G, A // Bb, A, G, E

F, A, C, A // repeat // C, E, G, A, // Bb, A, G, E // G, B, G, G //

F, A, F, F // C, E, G, A // Bb, A, G, E // C, E, G, A // C, rest, C, rest //

Console Pedals (done in "jazz eighths")

C, C, E, C, G, C, A, C // Bb, C, A, C, G, C, E, C // C, C, E, C, G, C, A, C //

Bb, C, A, C, G, C, E, C // F, F, A, F, C, F, D, F // Eb, F, D, F, C, F, A, F //

C, C, E, C, G, C, A, C // Bb, C, A, C, G, C, E, C // G, G, B, G, D, G, E, G // F, F, A, F, C, F, D, F //

C, C, E, C, G, C, A, C // Bb, C, A, C, G, C, E, C // C, C, E, C, G, C, A, C // C, rest, C, rest //

Resources for you:

Hanon 1 - Finger Exercises

Pitch Ear Training Software 

If you enjoyed this blog post, please consider following on Bloglovin' Keep in touch with me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube and Pinterest, too!

 "The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King