I just love traditional rote piano music, don’t you?
‘Rote’ rhymes with ‘note’, but that’s where the similarity ends. When you learn by rote it’s the opposite of learning by note. Rote music is learned by copying rather than reading.
When a piece is learned by copying, it doesn’t depend on the student’s reading level. Students of all ages and levels can enjoy it, so long as they’re able to copy.
Copying is like a game of follow the leader. And Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum has a fun black and white key pattern, the same way the penguin has an irresistible black and white pattern!
In this post, we explore the first pattern of this rote piece, three different ways:
- With the left hand (LH) playing its famous and original tune below the right hand (RH) harmonies
- With the LH playing its melody inverted (upside-down) above the RH
- With the LH playing its original tune in octaves below the RH
Those with small hands may simply skip the octaves and play the first pattern once again at the end.
Structure
In the structure of the piece, you might think of it as an arch. In arch form, the music takes on a type of symmetrical shape with a feature in the middle that feels like the pinnacle of the piece. Here, Pattern 1 and its return with octaves creates the outside mirrored sections.
Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum [complete]
Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum [shorter arrangement]
First Pattern Part I Technical Read-out
Through this pattern, you’ll be able to practice:
- Cross-hand legato. The right hand slurs to the left hand. This is as simple as walking. When you walk, there’s a smooth connection as you step foot to foot. When your hands slur right to left and key to key, there’s a smooth connection from one to the other.
First Pattern Part II (with LH Over) Technical Read-out
- Left over right. The left hand plays over the right hand for extended passages.
- Cross-hand legato. The right hand slurs to the left hand. This is as simple as walking. When you walk, there’s a smooth connection as you step foot to foot. When your hands slur right to left and key to key, there’s a smooth connection from one to the other.
Did you notice the Inverted keys?
Check it out in this YouTube video. When the LH plays over the RH, its own original pattern is flipped upside-down. Musicians say this is ‘inverted.’
First Pattern (with LH Octaves) Technical Read-out
Through this pattern, you’ll be able to practice:
- Octaves (…if hands are big enough, single keys if not). To attempt the octave passages, be sure you can comfortably reach the span of keys without tension.
- Cross-hand legato. The right hand slurs to the left hand. This is as simple as walking. When you walk, there’s a smooth connection as you step foot to foot. When your hands slur right to left and key to key, there’s a smooth connection from one to the other.
Want to learn more?
Here are all of the posts in the Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum tutorial series.
Learning and Playing ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’
Rote Piano ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’ / Shave and a Haircut [Teacher intro]
‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’: Learn the First Pattern 3 different ways [FREE printables]
‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’: Learn the Second Pattern 2 different ways [FREE printables]
Rote Piano ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’: Learn the Third Pattern 2 different ways [FREE printables]
‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’: Learn the Shave and a Haircut Ending 3 different ways [FREE printables]
Fun Intro to Keyboard Harmony
‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’ and the I – V7 – I chord progression [FREE printables]
I – V – I is the most common chord progression in music. This post shows how music is kept interesting with the pull between chord one (the tonic) and chord five (the dominant). Specifically, chord I and chord V7.
Unlocking creativity at the piano
‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’: Create your own Variation [Coming soon!]
Explore being creative with music. ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’ helps kids experience how easy it can be to branch out with a new variation.
As a follow-up to my series on Heart and Soul and I Love Coffee, I Love Tea, I wanted a series on this traditional rote gem, ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’.
And it’s THRILLING to play! It’s a traditional masterpiece. I hope you enjoy!
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I appreciate shares, comments and likes. Happy teaching! ❤
Video of the Week
Boogie Woogie Man with Ending 1 (Late Elementary) has memorable black-white key patterns that are easy to teach and learn, just like ‘Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum’. Twelve bar blues in a boogie made of a black and white key chromatic pattern that copies across the keyboard and ends with glissando. Late Elementary Piano, Level 1. Boogie Woogie Man is available as an eSheet and as part of the print and eBook Rock that Train.This piece has three versions! You can play this version with Ending 1 (Level 1, featured), Ending 2 (Level 2) and Ending 3 (Level 3)!
Congrats on the NEW Rock the Boat! What are the inspirations for the new songs? PS U compose unique, extraordinary, one of a kind sing along songs for kids!
Thank-you! I worked very hard to make the Second Edition of Rock the Boat the very best it could be. Wow — “…unique, extraordinary, one of a kind sing along songs for kids!” — That’s quite a review! Would you allow me to use that on my book page?