Jazzy Birthday & Melody for Michael

Jazzy Birthday

Every pianist at some time has to play Happy Birthday, I prepared this arrangement for those who might like to do something jazzy. An optional five measure Intro is provided to help singers begin on key and in tempo. Feel free to use and share this arrangement freely.

Melody for Michael 

Throughout my career, I have composed a number of "signature pieces" based on the letters of a person's name. 

In my recorded music, Lullaby for Kevin and Melody in C for Glen Lee are two good examples. Melody for Michael was composed for my friend, the composer Michael Conway Baker. 

There is no problem assigning notes to letters A to G, however for letters beyond G, I repeat the alphabet in sequence from A to G until all letters have an assigned note. Thus H becomes A, I becomes B, J becomes C etc. 

In this way, the name MICHAEL CONWAY BAKER becomes the notes, FBCAAEE CAGBAD BADED. I add and change sharps and flats as needed for musical reasons. 

I encourage those with some music theory background to try to do the same with the names of their friends and family. It makes a unique gift and is both fun and challenging to do.

Link to Score (PDF)

Leave a comment