Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part II: Then there was a madrigal in Italy [Printables]
Discover the 17th-century Renaissance-to-Baroque Italian versions of one of the world's most-loved melodies, complete with music samples. Here's the next chapter of the story as we know it. This music holds clues to the exact Italian versions that influenced contemporary spread across the European continent. … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part III: 17th-c spread throughout Europe [Printables]
Musicians carried the Italian variant far afield when they travelled Europe for employment. Here is a collection of next generation variants from 17th century Europe. These early international adopters launched a cascade effect of countless iterations of the tune throughout Europe for centuries to come. … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part VI: Twinkle as 19th-c national songs in countries far and wide [Printables]
By the 19th century, people all over Europe wanted to celebrate their own unique cultures, folk art and music. The minor variant of our wandering Twinkle tune had been played and sung for so long in these countries that they all claimed it as their own. Find out the striking similarities and exciting differences in tunes from Sweden, France, Czechia, Romania and Israel. … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Part III: Mozart, a French folk song and beyond [Printables]
Mozart and Ah! vous dirai-je, maman (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)! This is the making of a folk song and then how a composer redefined it. In Part III we trace the transformation from the earlier madrigal, La Mantovana, to the French Ah! vous dirai-je, maman. But when Mozart wrote his Theme and Variations, did he only base them on the French folk song? Evidence in his music shows otherwise. … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part IV: From minor, Twinkle branches into the major key [Printables] [Printables]
Can we pinpoint where in Europe the original minor Twinkle tune first become major? As the music made the leap from courtly ballrooms and entered the folk music circuit, it began a remarkable transformation. which features were kept and which were lost? And where in Europe did it become our favourite little Twinkle folk tune? It's all explored in this post! … continue reading →
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Part I: The ultimate guide to this tune in our culture [Printables]
How much do you think you know about Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star? Maybe you have a good ear and have figured out that other children's songs share the same tune, like Baa, Baa Black Sheep, the Alphabet Song and perhaps even a German children's song about ducks not as well known in the English-speaking world. … continue reading →
6 steps to Improvising and Composing left hand piano [Printables]
Have you composed an original melody? Are you feeling inspired to improvise solo piano music or a piano accompaniment for a church chorus, or a popular tune you’ve learned by ear? Creating a left hand part on the piano is satisfying. ... continue reading →
Composing music? Steps 5 to 8 help you make your piece longer [Printables]
You can be a composer. All it takes is believing in yourself and allowing the time to let it happen. The process of composing is a chance to unplug from our fast-paced world and unwind, discovering the music within you. What’s next? It’s the biggest question ... continue reading →
Want to compose music? Steps 1 to 4 help you begin [Printables]
In a world where we have instant access to so much ready-made information and entertainment in ever-decreasing byte-sizes, I believe that now, more than ever, it is important to get in touch with your inner creative life. To slow down. ... continue reading →