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HAPPY BIRTHDAY LES PAUL!
Music legend Les Paul would have turned 109 on June 9, 2024!
Use the information, videos, and tools in this lesson to learn about Les Paul and to play "Happy Birthday" in his honor!
Watch this video to find out how Les Paul influenced modern American music.
In 2011, Google created a Google Doodle on their homepage in honor of Les Paul's birthday. The design featured a working virtual electric guitar! Check out this video to see more!
Check out this recording of "Ode to Joy" played on the Les Paul-inspired Google Doodle!
Learn to play the song "Happy Birthday" in honor of Les Paul's birthday!
RHYTHM WARMUP:
Clap, sing, or play along with the rhythm cards!
SONG ANALYSIS
(Think, track, and sing along!)
What does the rhythm sound like?
00:00 / 00:29
What does the melody sound like?
00:00 / 00:31
Which fingers play this song?
00:00 / 00:48
What are the lyrics of this song?
00:00 / 00:29
Listening Collection:
"Happy Birthday To You"
00:00 / 02:15
The Music and the Brain Listening Collection recording for "Happy Birthday" uses a special kind of keyboard called a Rhodes piano. Can you hear it? What does it sound like?
The fermata indicates that you should hold that note for longer than its normal value. You can choose how long you want to hold it!
PRACTICING:
Play along using the keyboard image with the video, or download your own keyboard card:
USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.
BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!
Play Video
PERFORMING:
Play along with and without the video using the interactive keyboard below!
USE A CURVED HAND POSITION WITH BOTH THUMBS ON MIDDLE C.
BE SURE TO SWITCH HANDS WITH EACH CLEF CHANGE!
Play Video
5 4 3 2 1 2 3 4 5
PRACTICE TRACKER:
How many times did you practice the song?
0
CREATING:
Find a new place for the fermata in the song.
Download the PDF here:
