Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: piano notes for a first song
This version of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star uses six white keys: C, D, E, F, G and A. Help your child find C near the middle of the piano, then try the melody one short phrase at a time.
Key: C major. Time: 4/4. Range: C4–A4. Hand: right hand for the melody. This page contains the melody without a left-hand accompaniment.
Find the six keys
Look for a group of two black keys near the middle of the keyboard. C is the white key immediately to their left. The white keys to its right are D, E, F, G and A. The number 4 in C4 names the octave; middle C is C4.
Before playing the tune, help your child find C, G and A. The melody reaches beyond a five-note C–G position. Let the hand move to reach A comfortably; there is no need to hold a wide stretch throughout the song.
The complete melody, with beat counts
Each row below is one bar with four beats. A note followed by (1) lasts one beat; (2) lasts two beats. Press a held note once and let it sound for the written length. Repeated letters mean play the key again.
The opening is C C G G, then A A G. The final four bars repeat the opening four bars. Start slowly enough to keep those held notes clear.
| Bar | Notes and beats |
|---|---|
| 1 |
C(1)
C(1)
G(1)
G(1)
|
| 2 |
A(1)
A(1)
G(2)
|
| 3 |
F(1)
F(1)
E(1)
E(1)
|
| 4 |
D(1)
D(1)
C(2)
|
| 5 |
G(1)
G(1)
F(1)
F(1)
|
| 6 |
E(1)
E(1)
D(2)
|
| 7 |
G(1)
G(1)
F(1)
F(1)
|
| 8 |
E(1)
E(1)
D(2)
|
| 9 |
C(1)
C(1)
G(1)
G(1)
|
| 10 |
A(1)
A(1)
G(2)
|
| 11 |
F(1)
F(1)
E(1)
E(1)
|
| 12 |
D(1)
D(1)
C(2)
|
Try one small part at a time
- Start with G–A–G. Let your child find the small move between the keys before adding the rest.
- Try bars 1–2: C C G G, then A A G. Hold the last G for two beats.
- Add bars 3–4: F F E E, then D D C. Notice how this part moves down.
- Try bars 5–6, then repeat that same pattern in bars 7–8.
- Return to the opening in bars 9–12. Join the parts only when your child is ready.
Letter names and notes on the staff
Letter names help you find the keys. The staff shows how pitches move higher or lower, and the note shapes show their lengths. You can use the letters to begin and return to the staff as the pattern becomes familiar.
You can print this page using your browser’s print command. Keep the beat-count table with the score if your child still needs help with note lengths.
Questions about this version
Does the tune use five notes or six?
Six: C, D, E, F, G and A. It fits on the white keys, but A is beyond a five-note C–G hand position.
Does my child need to play both hands?
This page teaches the melody with one hand. There is no left-hand part to learn at the same time.
Why are there different versions online?
The same tune can be written in different keys, rhythms and arrangements. This page uses the C-major melody and beat counts shown above.
Continue with guided practice
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is one of the familiar songs in Soitilo. Each playing task begins with Practice, where the accompaniment waits for your child, before Play with the accompaniment. Soitilo works on the screen, with a supported USB MIDI keyboard or with a piano heard through the microphone.
For parents: explore how the learning path works and what is included for free.
The public Android release comes first; iPhone and iPad follow.
soitilo.com