How to play “Once Upon a December” piano music

Do you dream of playing “Once Upon a December” on the piano? This tutorial will make it easy and fun to get started!

In this guide, we’ll break down the song step-by-step, giving you simple tips and tricks to help you play with confidence. By the end, you’ll be playing this beautiful melody in no time and with Skoove’s interactive lessons, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

“Once Upon a December” piano video tutorial

Want to learn how to play “Once Upon a December” on the piano? Check out this quick video tutorial to get an overview of the song. It’ll help you familiarize yourself with the melody and get a sense of what you’re aiming for. You can follow along as we break it down step-by-step later in the article.

Find the full beginner arrangement of “Once Upon a December” on piano. Start a free trial today!

“Once Upon a December” piano sheet music

Let’s take a look at the sheet music for “Once Upon a December”. The song is in the key of B minor. The notes and chords are beginner-friendly and easy to pick up with some practice.

Here’s what you’ll need to know:

• Main Notes: The “Once Upon a December” piano letters primarily uses simple rhythmic patterns that repeat throughout the song. This makes it easier to learn.
• Chords: The song has a few essential chords. Once you’ve got these down, you’ll be able to play the accompaniment along with the melody. These are written above the stave as you can see below.
• Key: Understanding the key of B minor will help you play more fluidly and feel the mood of the song. Focus on the natural flow of the minor scale as you play through the piece.

By getting familiar with the sheet music and these key elements, you’ll be off to a great start. Keep practicing the melody and chords separately before putting them together.

Lesson plan: How to practice “Once Upon a December” on piano

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the notes and chords, it’s time to dive into practice. The key to playing “Once Upon a December” smoothly lies in short, fun and focused practice sessions. No need for long hours at the piano, just a few minutes every day can make all the difference.

Here’s a simple Skoove-inspired lesson plan to guide you through your learning:

Step 1: Listen to the full song

Take a moment to listen to “Once Upon a December” all the way through. Pay attention to the melody’s gentle flow and how the piano accompaniment supports it. This will help you internalize the rhythm and feel of the song.

Step 2: Master the right-hand melody

Start by playing the main melody with your right hand. Break it down into small sections and practice each one slowly and make sure each note is clear and smooth. You can use Skoove’s app to slow down the tempo if needed, and practice a few measures at a time.

Step 3: Learn the left hand accompaniment pattern

Once you’ve got the melody down, it’s time to bring in the left hand. Start by playing the basic chords, one note per chord (for example, Bm and Em). Take it slow and focus on getting the rhythm right. The left hand provides the song’s foundation, so don’t rush, each chord should sound steady and smooth. Once you can do this you can follow the accompaniment pattern in the bass clef on the sheet music.

Step 4: Play both hands together

Once you feel comfortable with both hands separately, it’s time to combine them. Start slow and focus on syncing the melody with the accompaniment. Don’t worry about perfection right away, just let the music flow. In the Skoove app, you can loop small sections and adjust the tempo to help you get both hands working together smoothly.

Keep practicing and unlock your full piano potential with Skoove!

Congratulations, you’ve taken the first steps toward playing “Once Upon a December”. With each practice session, you’re getting closer to mastering this beautiful song and improving your piano skills.

Don’t stop here, the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. With Skoove, you’ll have the tools you need to continue growing. Our app offers interactive lessons, personalized feedback and a supportive learning environment to help you keep progressing at your own pace.

Ready to dive deeper and unlock your full piano potential? Start your free trial with Skoove today and keep playing, the next level is just a few steps away. Happy practicing.

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Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada

With over seven years in piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. In her writings for Skoove, Susana combines her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.