Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum is the mystery rote piano piece that goes by a different name in every country.
Some name it after a flea, others after a dog or a pig. It’s not a stretch, therefore, for us to use a penguin as the mascot for this music….
After all, like this piano piece, the penguin also has an irresistible black and white pattern!
In this post, we explore the second pattern of Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum, two different ways:
- With the left hand (LH) playing a shortened and simplified version of the first Diddle-Um pattern, but with a tune that goes straight down, then back up. With the added rests it has an almost comedic effect. Notice that there are two main differences with the First Pattern. 1) It eliminates the repeated keys. 2) It goes through this shortened down-up pattern twice.
- With the LH playing over the RH, this simplified tune with rests is upside-down (inverted), and plays through this overall up-down pattern twice.
Second Pattern Part I Technical Read-out
Through this pattern, you’ll be able to practice:
- Non-legato. The right hand and left hands can zigzag without any legato. When the sound from key to key is not connected, it is called non-legato.
- Some may play legato (connecting the two hands). Try it both ways and see what you like best. When playing all the patterns as a whole piece, you may like different “touches” on the piano for variety and interest.
Second Pattern Part II (LH Over) Technical Read-out
Through this pattern, you’ll be able to practice:
- Left over right. The left hand plays over the right hand for this extended passage.
- Cross-hand legato. The left hand slurs to the right. Notice that this video plays half notes (no quarter rests) and is more legato. There’s no right or wrong way, but you may want to choose one or the other and do both Pattern 2 and its inversion with the same articulation / interpretation.
Did you notice the Inverted keys?
Each of the main themes in Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum opens with the hands playing in their usual positions: LH low and RH high. These opening patterns have an interesting design on the piano’s keyboard. When the LH crosses over the right, these patterns are flipped (or, in music terms, inverted).
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]
‘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!
Get your FREE music sheet printables!
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!
Get your FREE music sheet printables!
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I appreciate shares, comments and likes. Happy teaching! ❤
Video of the Week
You Better Run (Intermediate, Level 4) is a piano thriller with swift flight on the piano. Like Diddle-Um-Pum-Pum, it makes use of memorable black and white key patterns that make it easy to teach and learn. Explores broken legato fifths, black and white key interplay, chromatic passages. You Better Run is available as a studio-licensed eSheet!
