Beginner piece

How to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star on piano

The tune is an old French folk melody that Mozart wrote variations on. In piano books it is usually the first piece with a jump, from C up to G and back down by steps.

Composer

Traditional

Level

Beginner

Key

C major

Time signature

4/4

Hands

Right hand, then both

What makes it tricky

• The first jump from C to G. Look at the gap on the staff before you play it, not after.
• The middle phrase (the "up above the world so high" line) steps down. Say the note names as you go down.
• The repeat of the opening line. Players often rush into it.

A three-step practice plan

1. Play the first line only until the jump from C to G is clean.
2. Add the stepwise middle line, then put the three lines together.
3. Play it with a steady beat and count one bar out loud.