🎵 Learn How to Play "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the Piano: Step-by-Step Guide for Kids 🎹

arun mcgoay
Jan 15
3 min read

Hey there, little pianist! 🎉 Are you ready to play your first song on the piano? Today, we’ll learn “Mary Had a Little Lamb” step by step. Don’t worry—it’s easy, fun, and you’ll be playing in no time. Let’s get started! 🚀

Step 1: Get to Know how to play the piano Keys

Before we play, let’s find the keys you’ll use for this song. Look at your piano and notice how the black keys are grouped into twos and threes across the keyboard.

C: The white key to the left of the two black keys.
D: The white key in the middle of the two black keys.
E: The white key to the right of the two black keys.

Find these keys near the middle of your piano. These three notes—C, D, and E—are the stars of this song!

Step 2: Finger Placement – Where Do Your Fingers Go?

For this song, you’ll only need your right hand. Let’s get your fingers ready:

Thumb (Finger 1): Place it on C.
Index Finger (Finger 2): Place it on D.
Middle Finger (Finger 3): Place it on E.

Keep your fingers relaxed and curved like they’re holding a small bubble. You’re ready to start playing!

Step 3: Break Down the Song – One Line at a Time

How to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb” in small sections. Don’t rush—take your time with each part.

Line 1: “Mary had a little lamb”

🎵 E, D, C, D, E, E, E

Start with E (Middle Finger).
Play D (Index Finger).
Play C (Thumb).
Go back to D (Index Finger).
Play E three times (Middle Finger).

Practice Tip: Say the notes out loud as you play: “E, D, C, D, E, E, E.” Go slowly until it feels easy.

Line 2: “Little lamb, little lamb”

🎵 D, D, D, E, G, G

Play D three times (Index Finger).
Play E (Middle Finger).
Jump to G (Pinky).

Practice Tip: Practice the jump from E to G slowly. G is the white key to the right of F (next to the three black keys).

Line 3: “Mary had a little lamb” (Repeat Line 1)

🎵 E, D, C, D, E, E, E

This part is exactly the same as the first line. You already know it—great job! 🎉

Line 4: “Its fleece was white as snow”

🎵 E, D, D, E, D, C

Start with E (Middle Finger).
Play D twice (Index Finger).
Go back to E (Middle Finger).
Play D (Index Finger).
End on C (Thumb).

Practice Tip: Play this part slowly and evenly, like a gentle snowflake falling. ❄️

Step 4: Put It All Together

Once you’re comfortable with each line, try playing the whole song:

🎵 E, D, C, D, E, E, E🎵 D, D, D, E, G, G🎵 E, D, C, D, E, E, E🎵 E, D, D, E, D, C

Go as slow as you need to—speed comes with practice. 🎹

Piano Sheet Music for mary had a little lamb

Step 5: Practice Tips for Success

Here are some fun ways to practice and improve:

🐢 Slow It Down

Play slowly and evenly, one note at a time. Speed up only when you’re confident.

🎯 Focus on Transitions

Spend extra time on tricky parts, like the jump from E to G. Practice this section a few times until it feels smooth.

🎤 Sing Along

Sing the lyrics while you play the notes. This helps you remember what comes next!

💡 Practice Daily

Play the song a few times every day. Short, consistent practice sessions are the best way to learn.

Step 6: Share Your Music! 🎉

Now that you’ve learned “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” show off your skills! Play for your family, friends, or even your stuffed animals. They’ll be so impressed! 🧸✨

Step 7: What’s Next? Your Piano Adventure Continues!

You’re doing amazing! Here are some ideas for what to learn next:

“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”: Another beginner-friendly tune.
The C Major Scale: Practice this to improve your finger strength and coordination.
Make Your Own Song: Use the notes from “Mary Had a Little Lamb” to create something new.

🎹 Final Tip: Remember, every great pianist started just like you—one note at a time. Keep practicing, have fun, and soon you’ll be playing all your favorite songs! 🎶

Let me know if you’d like printable practice sheets or help with another song. Happy playing! 🎵✨