Somewhere Over The Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwo Ole Piano Sheet Music
If you are a fan of the late Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole or the classic song "Somewhere Over The Rainbow," then you may be interested in learning how to play it on the piano. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the piano sheet music of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.
Who is Israel Kamakawiwo'ole?
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (also known as Iz) was a beloved Hawaiian musician who gained international recognition for his soulful voice and unique musical style. Born in Honolulu in 1959, he began his career as a member of the band Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau before pursuing a solo career in the 1990s. He recorded several albums throughout his career, but he is perhaps best known for his rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."
What is "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"?
"Somewhere Over The Rainbow" is a classic ballad written by Harold Arlen and Yip Harburg for the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." Sung by actress Judy Garland in the film, the song has since become a timeless classic and has been covered by countless artists over the years. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole's version of the song, which combines "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" with Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World," has become particularly popular.
How to Play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the Piano
Playing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the piano is a great way to pay tribute to Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and to enjoy one of the greatest songs of all time. Fortunately, the sheet music for the song is readily available online and is relatively easy to learn, even for beginners. Here is a step-by-step guide to playing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the piano:
Step 1: Find the Sheet Music
The first step to playing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the piano is to find the sheet music. There are many websites that offer free or paid sheet music for the song, including Musicnotes.com and SheetMusicPlus.com. Make sure to find a version that is appropriate for your skill level and that includes the lyrics, as this will help you stay in time with the music.
Step 2: Familiarize Yourself With the Chords
Before you start playing the song, it's important to familiarize yourself with the chords. The chords for "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" are relatively simple and include G, D, Am, and C. Take some time to practice transitioning between these chords until you feel comfortable playing them smoothly.
Step 3: Learn the Melody
Once you have the chords down, it's time to learn the melody. Start by playing the right-hand melody on its own, without the chords, until you feel comfortable with it. Then, start adding in the chords slowly, focusing on staying in time with the music.
Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
As with any musical instrument or piece of music, the key to mastering "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the piano is practice. Set aside some time each day to practice the song, focusing on the parts that give you trouble. With enough practice, you will soon be able to play the song with ease.
Conclusion
Learning how to play "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" on the piano is a great way to pay tribute to the late Israel Kamakawiwo'ole and to enjoy one of the greatest songs of all time. By following the steps outlined in this guide and practicing regularly, you can master the piano sheet music for this timeless classic and impress your friends and family with your musical abilities.
