Learn to play the traditional piano classic that’s loved the world over, the I Love Coffee, I Love Tea and ‘Knuckles’ medley! This arrangement has a medley of three tunes. The first two patterns are on the black keys and the third plays around with black and white key patterns.
People everywhere love playing this because it’s fun, clever and it sounds good!
Because the patterns in this piece are easy to remember and follow, this can be played by those who haven’t had any piano lessons. This means that I Love Coffee, I Love Tea offers a unique opportunity to piano students! Learn it and then teach it to a family member or friend!
If you want to play it together as a duet, there’s a link at the bottom of this blog post that will take you to a post dedicated to the chord pattern that accompanies it!
Let’s get started!
Complete medley – the tunes we’re aiming for!
First, listen to the medley straight through. This gives you an overall sound image of what you’ll be aiming for. Notice that the music begins in the middle of the piano, moves a little higher for ‘Knuckles’ and moves higher still for I Love Coffee, I Love Tea.
Learn the ending first!
Begin with the end! Because all three tunes finish with the same ending pattern, it’s really helpful to learn it first!
Pattern 1 Pentatonic black keys
The first tune in the medley is a simple pentatonic pattern on black keys. Learn where to begin and end this tune!
Pattern 2 ‘Knuckles’
‘Knuckles’ is the beloved pattern that’s been played by generations of kids! You’ll likely recognize the iconic roll-bounce-bounce closed-fist pattern! Learn the rhythm that goes with this medley!
Pattern 3 ‘I Love Coffee, I Love Tea’
The medley finishes with the epic black-white-black tune. Learn some tricks to remember it yourself. These hints will also help you teach it to others!
FREE Printable sheet!
If you’d like to have a guide sheet that makes it easier to remember the piano patterns of the I Love Coffee, I Love Tea medley complete on keyboards, go to my Printables section! It’s free!
Now you’re ready to play and teach this awesome medley! Have fun!
Ready for more?
Learning and playing the duet
I Love Coffee I Love Tea and Knuckles piano play-along — Learn the duet chords [Part II]
I Love Coffee I Love Tea and Knuckles piano play-along — Duet videos [Part III] No duet partner at home? Play along with these YouTube videos!
Fun intro to keyboard harmony
I Love Coffee, I Love Tea and ‘Knuckles’ Intro to Circle of Fifths [Part IV]
Are you a piano teacher? To unlock this fun multi-part blog tutorial series, start here: Piano play-along duet: I Love Coffee I Love Tea and Knuckles [Teacher intro]
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I appreciate shares, comments and likes. Happy teaching! ❤
Video of the Week
Easy Für Elise is an authentic retelling of the Beethoven classic that can be taught by note and/or rote! Even though the patterns have been simplified, the beautiful spirit of Beethoven’s music has been preserved, satisfying the developing pianist who just wants to play! Check out the Für Elise eSheet!
Rebekah Maxner 