- Level: Early elementary
- Pages: 4 pages, 2 pages of music, cover included!
- Style: Peaceful, lullaby-like
- Bonus: mp3 performance track
- Format:PDF instant download
“Starry Night” by Van Gogh is captured perfectly in Night Song. This early elementary level piece paints swirls, golden moonlight, and twinkly stars through the night sky. Sweet and reflective lyrics and a teacher accompaniment make this gentle lullaby a mature-sounding solo that makes the most beginning students sound experienced and expressive.
What level is Night Song?
Night Song is an early elementary piano solo on the black keys. The smallest note value is a quarter note, and it is written in 4/4. A hand position diagram is included so students know where to place hands during practice. Finger numbers are included on every note. The damper pedal is held throughout the entire piece, giving it an ethereal and mature sound.
There are only two dynamic markings in the piece. This allows students to practice playing with artistry and expression, but not in a demanding way. The hand position falls easily under the hands and feels intuitive. Beautiful, calming words are included. Night Song is written off the staff but the teacher accompaniment is on the staff and includes and E flat minor a key signature. The accompaniment is easy to play, but adds depth and beauty to the piece. However, the accompaniment is not necessary in order for the solo to sound complete and beautiful.
There are many repeated patterns, and the notes are always moving by steps (no skips). Night Song is also great Finger 4 practice. Many beginning students struggle playing with Finger 4, but this solo sounds good even if the notes “run together” between the notes thanks to the damper pedal already being held.
Bonuses included!
Night Song comes with a bonus mp3 recording performed by Wendy Stevens. You are permitted to send this example performance track to your students to help them learn the piece.
Plus, a QR code is included on the first page of the PDF (not pictured in the sample) so students can scan the code and it will take them directly to the performance recording of the piece. This can help them be inspired and learn the piece even more effectively without you having to send the mp3 to them!
What is the Studio License?
Night Song is delivered digitally (through your email receipt) and is studio licensed. This means that you can print and use this for any student that you directly teach for your entire lifetime of teaching.
Publication and Cover Note:
Night Song was previously published by Hal Leonard as Cherokee Lullaby in the Pre-staff Piano Recital Showcase book.
Night Song’s cover was replaced on 1/5/2026 as it is now a part of the Art and Music Series.
Tessa –
I wanted to let you know that one of my students is playing Night Song and she said it’s her favorite piece ever!!! :):) That made me really happy and I wanted to share it with you! Please write more pieces like this!!!!
Phyllis –
I had a beginning student do Beady Eyes and Ghastly Beasts and she liked them. Then, she was my first student to do Night Song. She LOVED it. We played the duet and she was so excited that she got Mom to come in (she was waiting in the car). We did the duet and then I had her play with the MP3 and mentioned that she would be able to play with it at home. I asked my student if she liked that style of piece and it was a resounding – YES. Then, I introduced her to Finding Beautiful Places – Misty Meadow. She again was thrilled with it. I had made a list of the 7 books and the titles of the pieces under each book title. I showed her that I had LOTS more of that genre of music. She was excited and had a big smile.
marian –
Used this piece the day after the webinar. One of my 7 year old boys saw it and claimed it for his own. To my surprise, he pointed at it and said, “STARRY, STARRY NIGHT.” This piece is beautiful, very satisfying to play and great for the imagination of children and adults! Thank you!
Margaret –
I have a five year old student playing this piece and she loves it. Beautiful melody.
Alyssa Arroyo –
Started this with one of my students 2 weeks ago, she loves it! First thing she talked about was how she loved Starry Night 🙂
Deborah –
I love the new Art & Music cover! I have used this piece with two brand-new VERY young (preschool) students this week. The artwork has been a great way to introduce the piece – having them notice the details of the stars in the sky shining brightly, with the clouds/wind swirling around them, BUT also noticing the houses and how some of them are dark because people are sleeping. That leads us into the artistry of the piece, and also gives them a deeper understanding of the artwork itself. What a win!
Carla –
Love, love, love this piece! I have a student that deals with autism and many other disabilities but she is able to play this piece and enjoys it because it’s musical and beautiful. So wonderful to see the light in her eyes as she plays. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Wendy, for your dedication in writing music for all our many varieties of students.
Carla –
I love this piece! One of my students deals with autism and several other disabilities and she can play this with joy, it’s musical and beautiful! Thank you, Wendy, for creating music for all the many varieties of students we teach.
Lisa –
I have a first-year student who really enjoyed learning “Night Song”. Before giving her the piece, we talked about the artwork on the cover and then walked to a copy of the same Van Gogh picture that is hanging in my home. She thought it was fun that we both had the same picture! She is on the staff, but she liked going back to the basics and being able to master a piece in one week. The following week she played it with the duet part, and we will probably perform it together at our next group lesson. It will give me a chance to talk to the group about the collaboration of art and music. So, thank you again, Wendy, for a piece that is easy but sounds mature, especially with the duet music, and for music that gives students a quick sense of accomplishment!