Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star is one of the easiest songs for beginning players to master on a xylophone, perfect for practicing note reading, rhythm and hand placement.
Chords are groups of notes played together that create harmony by harmonizing with each note’s pitch. When you see chord symbols in sheet music, play each chord note with both hands.
Pomp and Circumstance
“Pomp and Circumstance”, composed by Edward Elgar of England, can often be heard at graduation ceremonies.
Based on a line from Shakespeare’s Othello (“Pride, pomp, and circumstance!”) written in 1901. An emotional and patriotic piece, it sets an appropriate atmosphere for graduation ceremonies and graduation walks.
O Come All Ye Faithful
O Come All Ye Faithful (known in Latin as Adeste Fideles), has become a Christmas carol beloved by millions worldwide. While its exact source remains unknown, many believe John Francis Wade composed it sometime around the middle-18th century.
Frederick Oakeley’s English translation from 1852 was what propelled its widespread dissemination.
Hedwig’s Theme
Hedwig’s Theme begins by being played on a celesta, an instrument that sounds similar to bells. This adds an air of mystery.
Hedwig’s Theme can be heard throughout both Harry Potter films and its spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, helping keep that sense of adventure alive. Many fans believe there may be hidden meaning behind its presence.
He’s a Pirate
He’s a Pirate is an iconic song from the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean film series. It captures its spirit of adventure and exhilaration while conveying all that makes them such timeless films.
Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike and Brennan Heart’s VIP Mix of He’s a Pirate showcases how music transcends genres. It truly shows what an immense force music is.
You Are My Sunshine
You Are My Sunshine has become a classic due to its simple yet timeless melody. Perfect as both a lullaby for children or as an intimate love song for adults.
On a deeper level, this song speaks about an intimate emotional bond and its risk of dissolution. It may even hint at possessiveness or manipulation by having its singer threaten their loved one not to leave them or else they will regret it later.
La Cucaracha
La Cucaracha is an iconic song with deep connections to marijuana use. The song’s theme of overcoming hardships resonates strongly with how many users utilize cannabis to tackle life’s difficulties.
This song’s lyrics refer to Mexico’s 1910 revolution for democracy and human rights, Francisco “Pancho” Villa and other Mexican rebels as well as cultural influences like Los Kumbia Kings covering it.
Ode To Joy
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony features this tune as its climax. It invokes ideas of freedom and peace among humans and was inspired by Schiller’s poem An die Freude which celebrates brotherhood ideals.
This song can be heard multiple times throughout A Clockwork Orange; Johnny the Homicidal Maniac listens to it when massacring a coffee shop and during his psychiatric treatment; additionally it also appears over the credits of Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Oh Susanna!
“Oh Susanna” lyrics illustrate an intimate tale of longing and separation. The narrator comforts his beloved that, although they may be separated by miles, their common musical heritage – represented by his banjo on his knee – unites them and ensures they never fall out.
Stephen Foster penned this song at age 21. It would become one of America’s first great classic pieces.
Frere Jacques
Frere Jacques is a classic French nursery rhyme which tells of Brother Jacques, an oversleeping monk tasked with ringing bells for matins (or matines in English), or midnight or very early morning prayers. However, due to an oversight, Brother Jacques overslept his duties and overslept again – this time when it’s his turn!
This song is commonly taught to elementary French classes and used as a recorder tune. The melody first published as part of “Recueil de Timbres de Vaudevilles” manuscript published in 1780; musicologist Sylvie Bouissou believes composer Jean-Philippe Rameau composed its music.
Baby Shark
Experts agree that songs like Baby Shark help children understand the value of family. Furthermore, these tunes prepare kids for language development according to parenting coach Susan Morley.
It’s no secret why this song about a shark family has become such a global sensation. With its catchy tune and repetition, this tune makes learning it simple; plus the voices change according to each member of its cast for added drama in storytelling.