This post will help you learn two versions of Oh Can You Wash Your Father’s Shirt. You’ll be able to play it and teach it to a friend!
On first glance and first listen you might think these tunes are the same, because they are built on a similar key pattern and a similar interaction between the left and right hands. But they are in fact two distinctly different tunes!
If you’d like to know why the lyrics have been updated from “Father’s Shirt” and are about a dog and cat, you’ll find the story here.
1. First tune: “My Doggie Washed My Kitty’s Shirt”
The first version of this charming little folk tune starts with the left hand on a lower black key. For this reason, it’s fun to think of a dog’s voice, which can be lower than a cat’s.
It is highly recommended that you learn the “doggie” version first, as it is a little easier to play. This is because the right hand will spend more time playing above the left hand on the piano’s keyboard in the “doggie” version.
Here’s the tutorial video, which teaches how to play the music by rote.
2. Second tune: “My Kitty Washed My Doggie’s Shirt”
The second version begins with the left hand on a higher black key. For this reason, it’s fun to think of a cat’s voice, which can be higher than a dog’s.
It is good to learn this tune second. This is because the right hand will spend more time playing below the left on the piano keyboard in the “kitty” version. This is easier to do if the “Doggie” tune is learned first.
Here’s the tutorial video, which teaches how to play the music by rote.
3. FREE Printable sheets!
If you’d like to print the above music, go to my Printables and get your FREE My Doggie Washed My Kitty’s Shirt (and My Kitty Washed My Doggie’s Shirt) sheet!
I’ve also created a free downloadable version without illustrations, together with two versions of traditional lyrics. Take your pick!
Practice both versions. Once you know them well, teach the music to a family member!
Looking for more?
Are you a piano teacher? To unlock this series, start here: Oh Can You Wash Your Father’s Shirt: Traditional ROTE piano tune [Teacher intro]
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Video of the Week
Star Wish (Levels: US, Early Elementary. Primer Level). As the student plays octaves up the piano, the points of sound are almost like twinkling stars. Rote black-key patterns, with non-legato travelling fingers (one finger per hand), to help develop the arm-to-fingertip connection and good balance on the keys.
Check out the Star Wish eSheet!
It’s also available in the print and eBook First Impressions:
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