How to Play “Humming Song” by Schumann on Piano (2 Levels, Free)
Learn Schumann's Humming Song on piano: listen to the beginner and full versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 2 levels
Easy
Right hand
Intermediate
Both hands
About the piece
Humming Song is the third piece from Robert Schumann's Album for the Young, opus 68, published in 1848. This charming and nostalgic melody is a staple of early romantic piano literature.
It is a wonderful piece for developing a smooth, lyrical touch. Because the melody is quite gentle, it requires a careful balance between the melody line and the accompaniment to sound truly expressive.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: the melody line alone, which helps you focus on phrasing and the legato touch.
- Both hands: the complete piece, incorporating the left hand accompaniment that supports the melodic line.
Always start by mastering the melody with your right hand before attempting the full version, as the interplay between the two hands requires rhythmic coordination.
Fingering and hand position
Position your hand comfortably over the keyboard, keeping your wrists flexible and relaxed. Since this piece features many connected notes, practice using a legato touch by keeping each key pressed until the very moment you strike the next one.
Focus on maintaining a gentle weight in your fingers. Try to keep your hand position stable, shifting only when necessary to reach further notes, which will help you maintain the steady, singing quality essential to this Schumann work.
Practice tips
- Listen to the recording multiple times to internalize the phrasing before touching the keys.
- Use the speed control in Rhythm mode to slow the tempo significantly for your first few practice sessions.
- Work on the piece one phrase at a time, ensuring each connection between notes is smooth and clear.
- Watch the falling notes on the screen and focus on the finger guidance provided directly on the keys.
Learn it step by step
To learn this piece effectively, start by playing the right-hand melody slowly until you can play it from memory with confidence. Once the melody feels natural, focus on the left-hand part on its own to master its rhythm.
Only after both hands are comfortable separately should you combine them at a very slow tempo. Gradually increase the speed once the synchronization is clean and consistent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Humming Song easy to play on piano?
It is considered a beginner to intermediate piece. While the notes are not overly complex, it requires attention to touch and dynamics to play musically.
What are the key characteristics of this piece?
It is a lyrical and melodic piece written by Robert Schumann, characterized by a soft, singing quality that mimics the human voice.
Who composed Humming Song?
It was composed by the German romantic composer Robert Schumann as part of his famous Album for the Young in 1848.
How long does it take to learn Humming Song on piano?
Depending on your experience, you can learn the melody in a few practice sessions, while the full version typically requires consistent practice over a week or two.
Which fingers should I use for this piece?
Use a natural, relaxed hand position. Aim to keep your fingers curved and let your arm weight support your touch rather than relying solely on finger strength.
Can I play Humming Song without a piano?
Yes. You can use a computer keyboard, a tablet, or any MIDI-compatible keyboard to play it for free on DOLI PIANO without needing an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The DOLI PIANO interface uses falling notes to guide your timing and finger numbers on the keys to show you exactly where to play.
What should I play after Humming Song?
You could explore other pieces from Schumann's Album for the Young or move on to simple classical sonatinas by composers like Clementi or Kuhlau.
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