Music Box Dancer, note-for-note piano
For those of us old enough to remember- this tune was a hit in the early 80s. It is one of a rare handful of instrumental tunes to ever chart on the Billboard Top 40.
There are several versions of this tune available in sheet music, and several videos on KZread. None of these, I believe, are completely accurate. Most have been simplified in some way or another to make it easier to play. But these end up sounding repetitive.
I believe the key to this tune's beauty and longevity is in the subtle details in the way the pattern never truly repeats itself. But, most versions of this tune omit these details.
I've done my best to reproduce here, note-for-note, the exact arrangement Frank Mills played, alongside his recording. You can use the left-right balance control on your speakers to favour piano or the recording.
It is followed by a reprise of the full figure, slowed to 92 BPM.
Thanks for watching!
Пікірлер: 237
My mother taught herself to play this song exactly like this without a single piano lesson. She played it every Sunday night. I would lie down on the couch and listen to her play. She now suffers from Alzheimer's disease and is in the last stages. I have had piano lessons but I'm not good, and haven't touched a piano in 15 years......I want to teach myself how to play this so I can play it at her funeral as a tribute to my beautiful mother. Thank you for the video it brought me to tears! I hope I can do it!
@stephaneouellette7943
6 жыл бұрын
God bless your mum.
@janicedove8118
6 жыл бұрын
You can do it because the desire is there! Please consider playing it for your mother before she passes. I have friends whose father was in the last stages of alzheimer's disease and they would play his favorite songs. Even tho he didn't speak, when he would hear the songs he would tap the beat with his fingers and his feet! You could borrow a small keyboard from a friend or neighbor and take that to her room and play it for her. She would love it! Even if it is not perfect, she will recognize it. Knowing you played it for her while she was still alive is worth more than playing it at her funeral. My heart goes out to you.
@worldfamousgamer9191
5 жыл бұрын
Philippians 4:13 you can do all things though Christ Jesus Which strengtheneth you God bless you and may God heal your mother in Jesus Name Amen!
@seangibbons6510
5 жыл бұрын
Iam so sorry to hear about your mom i lost my mom some time ago and it bring tars to me to its a lovely song i listen to it every chance i get. 👍👍👍☺🙌 .
@vwr32jeep
4 жыл бұрын
Melanie Hill I hope you learned how to play it.
I am absolutely so addicted to this piece of music can listen to it all day long. Frank Mills is a legend and a master in piano music .
This music brings back sad and beautiful memories at the same time, I used this music as a reminder bell for my wife to remember to take her medications for cancer, she died months later and I was Left with this memory in music. Rest in peace my love.i Miss you a lot
This piece of music i can just listen to all day long its absolutely so beautiful That I never get tired of it. Sir you are amazing so beautiful playing looove the way you play. Thanks for sharing.
I love this song, it's my favorite instrumental of all time!
Good job! I remember in '79 i think when this first came out on radio at my place of work, i was mesmerized!
Haven’t heard this in 30 years. Not sure why I decided to find it today. That’s beautiful
@nicoradv3923
Жыл бұрын
I first heard it in a music box i had bought for my wife back in the 80s'. same here, not idea why i searched for it on utube. Now thinking about buying an elec piano. haven't played in about 30 years myself.
Beautiful... tears of joy and sadness at the same time.
Hi, ich bin Sissi... Seit ich denken kann, spiele ich dieses Lied. Ich begann mit 12 Jahren Orgel zu lernen, jetzt bin ich 51 und spiele eine Wersi Atlantis sn3. Und all die Jahre, seit ich ein Kind war, begleitet mich der music box dancer. Du bringst mich gerade zum weinen, danke für den schönen Musikmoment. Herzlichst ein Musikkollegengruss Sissi 🎹🎹🎹
This has always been my absolute favorite piano song. Thanks for playing it so beautifully...
Beautifully done, thank you. Takes me back to my first job in 1979 when I was 18. Great to see it preserved properly on YT. All the very best from Sydney Australia.
This guy is flat out jamming! I've always loved this harmony with its highs and lows. Watch his hands how gracefully he plays, with hardly no effort! He makes it look easy and to him it probably is! He almost comes off that piano stool a few times he's getting so into it. my hat's off to you for playing such a memorable song.
Oh I LOVE this tune !!! BEAUTIFUL
This song became a hit in the late 70's, it was on the radio alot, I loved it. Unfortunately most people probably think of it as ice cream truck music.
@robotech987654321
4 жыл бұрын
Ice Cream?! Where?
This is the best Frank Mills version on KZread other than Frank Mills, your timing is perfect, could be Frank playing.
Magnificent! Thank you for returning me to my childhood...if only for a moment ❤
I can't stop playing this video. I love the tune and EVERY rendition I've seen on KZread. Now I've just to learn it my self!!!! 😃😃
Absolutely perfect. Just found this, and won't lose it. Thank you for the tutorial at the end.
My brother loved this song as a child. Sadly he took his own life in 8/8/2015. I love this song as well. Beautifully played sir. I can watch this over and over. I wish I knew how to play because this is the first song I’d want to learn.
@chazzcapone
Жыл бұрын
Get an electronic piano or a real one and just start!! Just start now! I’m sure your brother would love hearing you play it for him. ❤
I still love this song so much. It was when i was a teenager that Frank Mills was tearing up the airways with this. We lived near Springfield Missouri and listened to KTTS The Radio Ranch. Precious precious memories flood my mind when I hear this.
Skillful piano player, and how beautiful song!
Wow, my hat's off to you. I can play this, but NOT in C#. Playing this in the original key is truly an accomplishment. You nailed this and I commend you on a great job!
@ffggddss
6 жыл бұрын
C# (7 sharps) Or is it D♭? (5 flats) Fred
@townonhill
5 жыл бұрын
You certainly nailed this, it really is acredit to you.
@krisbarnes9083
5 жыл бұрын
ffggddss same difference. Written differently. No difference in the actual performance.
The most beautiful song ever❤
That's so wicked ! I never get tired of listening to this one.
I've been listening to different versions and tutorials on this and I knew there was something different about them. Everyone I listened to seem to be missing a few chords. This version sounds the most accurate compared to the original. Great job
Beautiful!!! 👍☺❤🎵
Excellent playing there for this fabulous Frank Mills piano tune.Enjoyed this.Thanking you...
...and in the right key! 👌
Amazing beautiful wonderful love to listen and very talented 😊🙌
@c.c.3593
2 ай бұрын
1151p
So a beautiful sound and Arrangements.
Great Playing .....I get my fingers in a knot when I try it ......................................Bill Bickley UK
Brilliant.
Absolutely Wonderfull.. Musical greetings from Amsterdam, Holland!!
This is the best, consistent, flowing version I've heard to date..this guy plays it well..cudos. badass
아침부터 경쾌한 연주를 들으니 머리가 맑아집니다. 굿임다.
Just came across this song this week, it's a wonderful piece of music and you play it brilliantly!! Thank you.
Awesome!
Wow you nailed it note for note,great job sir you are a wonderful piano player.
Maravillosa interpretación!!! Lo que pasa que está melodía es un caricia para los oídos con unos toques de dulzura para el corazón . Felicitaciónes señor pianista. Un abrazo desde Madrid. Ah !! Pero soy de Ecuador.
@garycosby6343
4 жыл бұрын
Fantastic love it Gary Cosby N Ireland
You played wonderful .... this beautiful old song !!!!! Thumbs up Kind Regards, Rosi :-)))
너무 좋았어요 잘 듣고 갑니다. 감사합니다 ~♡
Some people are so blessed with the gift of music. Maybe God will bless me to play the piano. Well I drive for living so there.
This guy is amazing.
I love that tune music box dancer
That is almost gonna make me cry happy tears 😭😭😭😭😭😭
Incredible player! I aspire to play this beautiful piece!
I never get tired of great music !!
Beautifully played 😢
I remember this awesome tune from when I was a kid during my dreaded student days in primary school and I love it even though I had no idea what it was called then
WoW I can only think of one Word For your instrumental performance. Great 😊
Sensational, extraordinary , great interpretación of song at Robert Mills
What a classic!! Reminds me of the 80s!! and you nailed it!! Thanks for slowing it down so I can figure it out. I almost got the right hand down but now have to work on my left hand. LOL! Thanks bro!!
absolutely perfect...
You're right, you nailed it note for note. Nice.
Wonderful
Beautiful. I recently learned a simple version of this song. 🎹 👍
TRULY F'N AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it - Thanks
일주일의 피로가 말끔히 씻어주네요......피로회복제.........베리굿!!!!!
Yes. Beautifully played. Most videos I've watched people playing mostly white keys but you play mostly black keys the same as frank mills. I'll try learning this version but I won't be able to play it like you I'll simplify it a bit. Thanks 👍
A really phenomenal job !! I am totally surprised the Roland Keyboard could produce that good a sound. It isn't a grand piano, but still had a nice non edgy sound. Excellent !!
I absolultey love this song and the way you play it. Have a piano for 10yrs and just got to get to it.
Musical greetings from Hong Kong, This is great ! Call back my childhood memory.
Bravo! Bravo!
Very nicely done i love it 👍👍👍🙌☺💃💃💃...
Just heard it from one of those soft serve street ice cream trucks and realized that I haven't heard it it in a very, very long time. Took me a while to remember the name, but I finally did. Always loved it and always will.
Maravilhoso!!!! uma das mais lindas músicas no piano.
Love this. I play it over and over.
Perfect! Hard to keep the eyes dry, that's how you know it was Frank Mills quality. Peace
One word.... Brilliant!!!!
Very very impressive sir than you well done tip off me old hat off to you young man
Jawdropping performance... Congratulations, sir!
WOW! I know I am late to the party here but really nice. I love watching you play it in C#
Wonderful.
These muzik box Refresing my memory lane Thankyou my friend
WOW! BLOWN AWAY! You NAILED it!
Frank Mills, you made a beautiful tune, God bless you.
Congratulations. Goog hands!
This was was one of the first songs I ever learned on piano over 36 years ago, and only now do I realize it is suppose to be played in C#, not C Major. Oh well, thank goodness for the transpose key on the digital piano.
I love it. Thank you!
Nice!!! and Prefect.
Wonderful!
I don't know anything about sharp notes and flat notes but this was beautifully played! Love it!
That was beautiful when you was playing it at normal speed! Loved it! Great job!
Maravilha de performance Parabéns.
Beautiful 😍
Mind blowing to me how pianists can have one hand carry a bass line while the right hand is carrying a completely separate melody. I’d kill to be able to play this on the piano one day for my mom and dad.
Thankyou for your music!, It sounds amazing!, You play very well!! This is my favourite song at Christmas, especially me trying to learn it on piano!
Exelent, in my humble opinion,better quality the the original recording thanks a million mr.piano man. Wow!!
wow fantastic \m/
So enjoy this,makes me feel good inside.Thank you so very much💕
Wow thought frank mills was playing..you are very good sir
Wonderful 👍
Awesome! Thanks for uploading this video of this Beautiful song! Best wishes!
This brings me such joy! I am a concert pianist and would like to purchase the score from you if you have written it down. Thank you for this lovely video. Really lovely!
@michaelharvey702
Жыл бұрын
In fact, if you don’t have the score but would like to sell it or pass it around (with the proper permission, of course) then send me a very slow version with the camera directly above the fingers so I can see exactly what you are doing, and I will copy it down and make an edition for you so that the score will exist. What do you think? It would take me about 45 mins to achieve this.
@Baileyade
8 ай бұрын
Did you ever get the score? - I did ask on here a few months back ( even just pointing in the right direction to a score ) but I've never heard anything. I am learning piano ( used to play many years back) and really want to play this. Pipe dream at the moment as I'm a way off grade wise but you need to challenge yourself! @@michaelharvey702
Koo-Doe's for the respect and 99% timing... Frank would be comfortably proud of this work.
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU ❤❤❤
Would love to see you and Frank Mills play together. Amazing. Thank You
Great Greetings From Super Extremes- Sri Lanka 💚 💛 ❤ 💙 💜 Thusitha Thanthirige
Thank you Frank Mills.