As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the enchanting sound of Christmas songs to fill the air with festive cheer. If you’ve ever wanted to play Christmas songs on the piano but felt daunted by traditional sheet music, fear not! Dive into the world of simplified number notation, a beginner-friendly approach that allows aspiring pianists to play beloved Christmas songs with ease. Instead of deciphering complex musical symbols, you’ll use numbers that correspond to the piano keys, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to bring holiday melodies to your fingertips.
1. Carol of the Bells
Dive into the intricate and mesmerizing sounds of “Carol of the Bells.” This arrangement captures the haunting beauty of the classic carol in a simplified notation for your piano enjoyment.
“Carol of the Bells” is a popular Christmas carol that is based on a Ukrainian folk chant called “Shchedryk”. The original chant was composed by Mykola Leontovych in 1914 and was sung to celebrate the new year. The English lyrics were written by Peter Wilhousky in 1936, who changed the theme to Christmas and added the bell-like sounds. The song has a distinctive four-note motif that is repeated throughout, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. The song has been adapted for various genres and styles, and has been featured in many movies and TV shows, such as Home Alone and Harry Potter.
Play Christmas songs
2. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Add a rockin’ vibe to your holiday playlist with “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” This arrangement promises to bring the energetic spirit of the season to your piano playing.
“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is a popular Christmas song written by Johnny Marks in 1958. The song describes a festive dance party at the Christmas tree, where people sing along to various songs and have fun. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, such as Cyndi Lauper, LeAnn Rimes, and Miley Cyrus. The song is also featured in the movie Home Alone (1990), where it is used as a soundtrack for a fake Christmas party that Kevin sets up to trick the burglars. The song has sold over 15 million copies worldwide and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Play Christmas songs
3. Jingle Bells
Kick off your festive piano session with the classic “Jingle Bells.” The playful arrangement of numbers ensures you’ll be jingling all the way in no time!
“Jingle Bells” is one of the most well-known and commonly sung Christmas songs in the world. It was written by James Lord Pierpont, an American composer who lived in the 19th century. Pierpont originally published the song under the title “One Horse Open Sleigh” in 1857, and it was intended to be a lively song for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. The song describes a fun winter ride on a sleigh pulled by a single horse, along with some mishaps and flirtations. The song became popular as a Christmas song in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and has been recorded by many artists in various genres and languages. The song is also famous for being the first song ever broadcast from space, when astronauts on Gemini 6 played it on a harmonica and sleigh bells in 1965.
Playing Christmas songs on the piano with simplified number notation is not just about learning notes; it’s about embracing the joy and magic of the season. As you navigate the keys, let the festive melodies transport you to a winter wonderland of musical delight.
Traditional sheet music can be overwhelming, especially for those just starting their piano journey. Simplified number notation offers a refreshing alternative, allowing aspiring pianists to play beloved Christmas songs with ease. Instead of deciphering complex musical symbols, you’ll use numbers that correspond to the piano keys, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to bring holiday melodies to your fingertips.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist looking for a fun twist on holiday classics, simplified number notation is your ticket to playing Christmas songs with confidence. So, dust off that piano bench, grab some sheet music, and let’s start jingling those keys with the simplified magic of Christmas music!
Play Christmas songs
Bonus
“Für Elise” by Ludwig van Beethoven
Beethoven’s “Für Elise” Beethoven’s “Für Elise” is a classic that resonates through the ages. Its enchanting melody and playful spirit make it an indispensable piece in the world of piano, capturing the hearts of music lovers around the globe. Subscribe for more!