How to Play “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Mendelssohn on Piano (3 Levels, Free)

Listen and play: 3 levels

About the piece

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is one of the most beloved Christmas carols, composed by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840 to commemorate the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. The lyrics were originally written by Charles Wesley in the 18th century.

The melody is bright and triumphant, making it a staple of the holiday season. On the piano, it is a wonderful piece for developing your sense of melody and rhythm as it uses a variety of steps and small leaps that feel very natural under the fingers.

Which level should you choose?

• Right hand only: the core melody played with your right hand. Perfect for getting the feel of the song without distraction.
• Both hands, simple: the right hand carries the melody, while the left hand provides a steady bass note on the downbeats.
• Both hands, full chords: the left hand supports the melody with rich, full chords, creating a complete and festive sound.

Start by mastering the melody with your right hand alone. Once you can play it smoothly, add the left hand slowly to ensure your timing remains steady.

Fingering and hand position

Place your right hand in a comfortable position around middle C and G. The melody starts with your thumb (1) on D, then jumps up to your ring finger (4) on G, repeating the note G before stepping down to F# with your middle finger (3). The melody is: D G G F# G B B A, followed by D D D C B A B.

Keep your hand relaxed so you can reach the higher notes like the B and D smoothly. When you move to the second phrase, allow your hand to shift slightly to keep your fingers positioned comfortably over the keys.

Practice tips

• Listen to the recording a few times to internalize the tempo and rhythm of the carol.
• Start in Rhythm mode at a slower speed, such as 50 percent, to ensure you hit every note accurately.
• Work through the piece phrase by phrase. Don't move on to the bridge until you feel confident playing the first section.
• Keep your eyes on the falling notes. Using the finger numbers displayed on the screen will help you build muscle memory faster.

Learn it step by step

Learning a new piece is most effective when you break it down into manageable parts. Begin by focusing solely on the right hand until you can play the full melody without stopping. Once the melody is consistent, practice adding the left hand chords on the primary beats. Gradually increase the playback speed as you become more comfortable, keeping your hands relaxed and your fingers curved.

Frequently asked questions