How to Play “Away in a Manger” by Kirkpatrick on Piano (3 Levels, Free)
Learn the beloved Christmas carol Away in a Manger on piano: listen to the beginner, easy and intermediate versions, then play with falling notes in your browser.
Listen and play: 3 levels
Beginner
Right hand
Easy
Both hands · simple
Intermediate
Both hands · full
About the piece
Away in a Manger is a classic Christmas carol that has been a favorite for generations. It is widely attributed to the American composer William J. Kirkpatrick, who published his famous melody in 1895. The song is often used as a lullaby and is cherished for its gentle, serene melody.
It is an excellent piece for beginners because it uses a manageable range of notes and a slow, steady tempo. Its melodic structure follows simple patterns that make it perfect for building confidence as you learn your first carols.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the melody alone. A great way to get comfortable with the note sequence.
- Both hands, simple: the left hand plays single bass notes to support the melody.
- Both hands, full chords: the left hand provides full harmonic accompaniment for a complete, festive sound.
Start with the right hand melody. Once you can play it fluently, try adding the left hand accompaniment to fill out the sound.
Fingering and hand position
Place your right hand so your thumb (1) is on G3. The melody starts with D4, G4, G4, A4, B4, G4, G4. Because the melody moves across a wider range, you will need to shift your hand position slightly as the song progresses.
Keep your fingers relaxed and avoid pressing the keys too hard. Practice moving your hand smoothly between the lower notes and the higher notes, making sure your finger numbers correspond to the notes shown on the screen.
Practice tips
- Start by listening to the melody until you can hum it from memory.
- Use the speed control to slow the song down until you can hit every note perfectly.
- Break the piece into small phrases and practice them individually.
- Focus on keeping a steady rhythm, even at a slow tempo, before speeding up to the original 96 bpm.
Learn it step by step
To master this carol, begin by playing the right hand melody one phrase at a time until the movements feel natural. Focus on the transitions between the low and high notes. Once the melody is consistent, introduce the left hand slowly.
Begin with the simple left hand version to understand how the bass notes align with the melody. Finally, move to the full chords version to add depth to your performance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Away in a Manger easy to play on piano?
Yes. It is considered a beginner-level piece, perfect for those starting their piano journey during the holiday season.
What are the notes of Away in a Manger?
The melody begins with D, G, G, A, B, G, G, B, C, D, D, E, C, A, B, C, C, D, B, B, G, B, A, E, G, F sharp, D, G, G, A, B, G.
Who composed Away in a Manger?
The most popular melody for this carol was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick and published in 1895.
How long does it take to learn Away in a Manger on piano?
Most beginners can learn the melody in one or two practice sessions. Adding the left hand typically takes a few more days of consistent practice.
Which fingers do you use for Away in a Manger?
Start with your hand in a comfortable position around G, using your thumb on G and your other fingers positioned to reach the notes as they appear on the screen.
Can I play Away in a Manger without a piano?
Yes. You can play it on DOLI PIANO using your tablet, computer keyboard, or any MIDI keyboard for free.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The falling notes and finger numbers on the screen guide you through every key press in real time.
What should I play after Away in a Manger?
You can continue with other holiday classics like Silent Night or Jingle Bells to keep practicing your technique.
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