(from “How to Train Your Dragon”)
Music by John James Powell and Michael John Mollo; Arranged by Elena Fortin
Composers John James Powell and Michael John Mollo wrote this soaring piece for the soundtrack from the movie “How To Train Your Dragon“. You know the moment when Hiccup is training his new dragon Toothless and they go soaring through the skies for the first time–this is the melody that plays in the background!
I wrote this arrangement for one of my students, Nicole. Whenever we are searching for recital pieces or fun music to learn, we usually turn to animated movies. (Maybe because I have been told by some of my students that my taste in music is old–but I got tired of getting blank stares when I suggest some titles of the music I listen to!) At least we can connect on film music–especially animated film music!
Nicole is the one that suggested this song–I had watched the movie a couple of times, but never really listened closely to the soundtrack, except to know that I liked it. She was my “guinea pig” while I was arranging the song and I am thankful for her suggestions for different parts of the music.
Since publishing it, I had other students ask to learn it–if you want to see one of the students perform it, you can see his video on our online school’s YouTube channel: Coast2Coast Online Music School
About the arrangement
The piece is arranged for Early Intermediate players and will challenge them with fingering passages, chord accompaniment that requires a stretch of an octave, and expressive playing.
The music starts out in the key of C major, in 4/4 time. The left hand has a “drone” accompaniment–it’s a nod to it’s Scottish roots and the bagpipe instrument that plays with bass chords that continue through a lot of the opening of the piece. It eventually modulates to the key of D major (two sharps) in a very exciting bridge.
Try to follow the dynamics to help you play expressively and bring the image of Hiccup and Toothless swooping through the sky, testing their wings for the first time.
Video Performance
Purchase Information
Clicking on the link below will bring you to a new site: Sheet Music Plus. This arrangement is under copyright with the ArrangeMe program by Hal Leonard.
Sheet Music Plus – Test Drive from “How To Train Your Dragon“
Sheet Music Sample
