Play the Hippest Piano Version of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
Learning Focus
Music Style
Free Lessons
Get free weekly lessons, practice tips, and downloadable resources to your inbox!
Last week, I talked about the joy of Christmas.
The lights, the colors, the festive decorations, and food can all be wonderful things to share.
But, I know for me, and for many of you, Christmas can be a reminder of the “broken things in life”.
I can close my eyes and remember the sweet Christmas memories of my childhood.
And then I open them now in 2025, and I can feel just a tinge of sadness.
Why? Because life isn’t what it used to be.
People have changed. Traditions have changed. New friends have come, and old friends have gone.
Things once dear are now just memories, memories which I sometimes long for.
I don’t mean to sound dreary or overly sentimental.
But I know that for me, and for many, Christmas can, at moments, feel somber.
And I want to honor that for you in today’s Quick Tip.
Why?
Because it holds a message that helps lift me out of those sad moments and into a spirit of gratitude, abundance, and peace.
It’s also got some very cool chords that you probably won’t hear anywhere else.
Look at these words:
“Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies.
What a message!!
As a believer, this means the world to me. But even if you aren’t religious, it still contains a powerful message that I believe applies to everyone.
It is a message of hope, redemption, and new beginnings.
If you are hurting this Christmas, my hope is that this song will lift you out.
In fact, my arrangement is intentional in this manner because the chords continually lift you up, up, and up.
This Christmas season, may you find peace, mercy, reconciliation, joy, and may you rise and triumph in your struggles.
Writer
Jonny May
Jonathan May is a pianist from Southern California who specializes in many styles of piano. At age eighteen, Jonny became the youngest pianist to perform at Disneyland. Each week he entertained thousands of guests with his arrangements of American classics and Disney songs. Jonny has also performed with the Youtube...
More Free Lessons
Learn a super fun, jazzy version of this classic Christmas tune with crunchy chords and sweet fills.
Whenever I need to "fill in the gaps," this is my go-to technique!
If there's one thing that will stop you from progressing at piano, this is it.
Looking for downloads?
Subscribe to a membership plan for full access to this Quick Tip's sheet music and backing tracks!
Join Us
Get instant access to this Quick Tip and other member features with a PWJ membership!
Guided Learning Tracks
View guided learning tracks for all music styles and skill levels
Progress Tracking
Complete lessons and courses as you track your learning progress
Downloadable Resources
Download Sheet Music and Backing Tracks
Community Forums
Engage with other PWJ members in our member-only community forums
Become a better piano player today. Try us out completely free for 14 days!
