Do you want to learn an accessible version of Carol of the Bells Sheet Music for the piano? I’ve got you covered! This is the version I’ve taught many intermediate and beginner piano students.
Carol of the Bells has always been a favorite of mine. It sounds exactly like its name: beautiful Christmas bells ringing in a melancholy melody!
This piece was composed by Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian composer, in 1914. His melody was unlike any other! Carol of the Bells, a Christmas song popular over the past 100 years, has been performed by many well-known musicians and featured in many movies.
Carol Of The Bells Piano Sheet music PDF
Click the photo below or the button to download Carol of the Bells, an accessible piano version. You can save the link to Google Drive or download it as PDF.
Easy Version
The first version is straightforward. The left hand can only play single notes and very few intervals.
Intermediate Version
The intermediate version of Carol of the Bells includes some additional notes, such as 3rds when the ostinato moves higher and 16th notes in the chorus. This adds some spice to the song.
Carol Of The Bells Piano Keynotes/Notes
Carol of the Bells was arranged in the key of A-minor. This is especially helpful for beginners, as A minor has no sharps or flats.
The arrangements will also add a few accidentals (F#, G#).
The song’s overall structure is straightforward. The song begins with a repeating pattern in the right hand, which continues for several measures. This is also called an ostinato. The way will eventually reach higher notes and flow into flowing melodies.
The accessible version has the left hand kept simple. You won’t need to move around with both hands while you sing.
Please pay attention to the dynamics of this song as you learn it! These are not the only notes I have added to the music.
The repeated pattern in your right hand should be more gentle than what the left is doing. It is not the melody.
Start the section by using intervals in your left hand. You can be slightly louder when breaks go up and soften when gaps go down.
Measure 21 is the culmination of the piece. Don’t be afraid to go bold in the right hand!
Slow down and soften your pace as you reach the end. It is like the sound of bells fading away.

Chords
Although the chords of Carol of the Bells seem daunting, they are pretty simple.
The Ostinato repeats, but there isn’t one chord there. However, once we reach the “chorus,” there are clearly defined chords.
The chorus begins at measure 21. These are the chords that start at measure 21.
A minor (measure 21), B (measure 22), C (measure 22, D minor (measure 23), and A minor (measure 24).
This section offers a lot of creativity and opportunities for improvisation. Improv can be done by playing any note in the A minor scale (so all white keys!)
This is how my dad and I love to teach the piece. It’s also a way to learn to improvise. You can change the rhythm or add intervals to the melody, but sticking with the original melody is okay.
Next is the part of the words that say “Merry Merry Merry Merry merry Christmas” (measures 25 to 28).
The overall chord for this section is E major. After playing the base note, you can add an E primary inversion to the left hand if you feel adventurous.
Lyrics
Hear the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to agree
Take care of yourself
Christmas is coming!
Good cheer
For all ages
The bold and the meek
Ding-dong, ding-dong
This is the song.
With joyous ring
All forms of caroling
One can hear.
Good cheer!
From anywhere
Fill the air
They pound!
Their sound should be raised
O’er hill, o’er dale
The telling of their story
They ring with joy!
People sing songs of fun while they dance
Christmas is coming!
Merry, Merry, and Merry Christmas!
Merry, Merry, and Merry Christmas!
They send on and on
There is no end.
They have a joyful tone
Every home
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Ding-dong, ding-dong
Conclusion
Carol of the Bells, a fun and easy song for the piano to learn, is super fun! This sheet music is free and easy to understand. Next, check out Away In a Manger. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. The First Noel. We Wish You Merry Christmas!