Here are two Happy Birthday versions for young pianists that are simple to play. The first one is intended for young children who have just begun to play, and it is very easy for them to learn because it only has a simple melody line that is based on middle C. The second, which is more appropriate for someone with a little more experience, is a simple piano music arrangement for both hands at once.
Take a look at my First Piano Lessons eBook if you're new to teaching piano to children. It's packed with interesting games, techniques, and instructional suggestions for teaching young children the piano.
The hardest part of teaching children an instrument is getting them interested in it. However, it's also crucial to make sure that they are having fun and enjoying the experience of playing pieces that they want to play for both themselves and other people. Of course, it's crucial to ensure that they master the proper theory and technique.
Therefore, Happy Birthday is a wonderful choice because it's one of the first and most crucial songs a child will learn, it has such a special meaning, and it's one that they will naturally come to sing several times each year. So it follows that playing it is a terrific experience for aspiring pianists. At birthday parties, they always enjoy being able to play it for their guests, and Granny also enjoys it a lot!
How To Play Very Simple Happy Birthday Piano Music
1. Place hands over the notes, placing the middle C with both thumbs (1s).
2. To get ready, have the child play and name the C, D, E, F, and G notes with the right hand, 1, 2, 3, and 4, both up and down. Do the same with the left hand, moving down C, B, A, G, and then back up to middle C (they will initially find this more challenging).
3. Have the child figure out the initial note on "Ha-ppy" by looking at the Happy Birthday sheet music. G is represented by the left-hand finger.
4. Since they will already be familiar with the music, they should have no trouble deciphering the first line. However, you can help them by pointing out the leap (interval) on "to you". Since it is a fourth, they must jump from 4 to 1, which is G to C.
One Phrase at a Time Practice 4. In the second phrase, which is simply repeated, the right hand fingers 2 and 1 are used on the word "to you" to indicate that the leap (interval) is one step higher (a fifth) from G to D. Put these first two phrases into practice several times.
5. The third phrase resumes on G "Ha-ppy" in the left hand with the fourth finger, but jumps up a whole 8 notes (octave) to G "Birth" in the right hand finger. 5. Get some practice finding this jump. The left hand then plays 2 - 3 on B - A, where you insert the name of the birthday boy/girl, and the right hand then plays 3 -1 on "day - dear."
6. The right hand plays the fourth phrase by placing the fourth finger on F for "Ha-ppy" and then 3, 1, 2, 1 for "Birthday" to you!
7. Singing the names of the notes as the child plays them is a really effective practice when they have figured out all the notes. This tests whether kids truly comprehend what they are playing and are not just depending on their memory, but it is challenging at first and should be tried very gently and without pressure.
8. Keep in mind that very young children should start gently and that it is ideal to practice in brief, frequent sessions for only a few minutes each time. The kid won't want to stop playing it once they've gotten the hang of it!
Happy Birthday Easy Piano Music For Both Hands
Left Hand
1. Begin by describing the key signature to the youngster, making sure they are comfortable with the F#. To assist them grasp the idea of several keys, you may also perform the G major scale. Spend some time locating the F# and listening for it in the music. Identify the finger that plays them. Is there any on the left hand? What number are there? Only 2 are in the right hand, both times using the second finger.
2. Begin by playing the chords with your left hand because it will likely be the most difficult. Sing the melody while you play. By identifying the bottom note and demonstrating that the basic chords are formed with the fingers 5, 3, and 1, and that the bottom note is the key note (tonic), in this case G, you may determine the hand position for the first G chord. Count the G chords in the distance (there are many of them!). On the syllables "birth" and "you," which are played predominantly on the first beat of the bar, are the chords.
3. The left hand fingers 1 and 2 play C and D in the second bar, which follows the opening G chord. Given that it is a dominating seventh, this should have a little clashing sound. For the third bar, the same chord is repeated; bars 4 and 5 then include the G chord once more. The words sing the name of the person whose birthday it is in the seventh bar, which requires the thumbs 1 and 3 to each advance up one note to E and middle C. The chords for the last "birthday" are a G chord, C&D for one beat on "to," and a final G chord on "You."
4. To improve your rhythm, practice playing the left hand while singing along to the music.
Right Hand
5. Because it is so well-known, the right hand tune is significantly simpler to learn. Before you begin playing anything, take some time to recognize and name the notes. Identify the interval where the music leaps, whether it is a 4th 1–4 or a 5th–1–5 on “to you!” Before attempting to play it all the way through, practice out each line individually. Pay attention to the octave jump on the third "Happy birthday."
6. After the right hand is prepared, you can play a duet of one hand each, switching hands to ensure that both hands are practiced.
7. Only try both hands when they are confident and can play each hand independently. It could be useful to vocally cue them the first few times as to when to switch the chord in the left hand or which note is coming next in the right hand. It's crucial to go slowly, maintain a laid-back attitude, and be forgiving of any errors. Above all, just try it out and have fun!