How to Play "OLD AND WISE" by Alan Parsons Project on Piano

Alan Parsons Project · Shared by Andy · 105 bars

  • A minor
  • 2/2
  • 45 BPM
  • Medium
  • Melody + piano

Your song map

0 / 18 parts learned

  1. Intro
  2. Verse 1
  3. Verse 2
  4. Ending
  5. Whole song
  • Learned
  • Selected
  • Now
  • To learn

What this song uses

Short warm-ups in the song's own key and chords. About a minute each, and you can skip them.

  1. The key

    A minor

    Five-finger position on A, then the A natural minor scale with both hands.

    About this scale
  2. The chord loop

    F, Em, F, Em · VI, v, VI, v

    The loop the song goes round most. Play each chord as a block, one bar each.

    F: F, A, C
    Em: E, G, B
  3. The left hand

    Velvet jazz

    LH shell voicings (1-7 / 1-3) · Beginner

    Two soft notes on each beat: the cozy colour of old jazz ballads.

Part 1 · bars 10 to 14

Up next
  1. Right hand
  2. Left hand
  3. Both hands

What you need to know

Read from the song's own notes: the key, the beat, the chords, and what each hand plays.

Key and scale

A minor

No sharps or flats

ABCDEFG

The A natural minor scale

Time signature

2/2

2 beats in every bar (half notes), at 45 BPM

It starts with a short pickup before the first full bar.

The chords you play

The song uses 24 chords, as the sheet music writes them.

More chords in the song

Left hand

Chords and single notes

The piano's lower staff, as written: a mix of chords and single notes, about one a beat.

Range D2 to A4Step 2 on its ownStep 3 with the right hand

Right hand

The melody

The tune the singer sings, one note at a time, about two a beat.

Range F4 to F5Part by part

How to practice "OLD AND WISE"

Learn "OLD AND WISE" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 18 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.

Every step is free to play
  1. Start hereThe melody

    Step 1: Right hand

    Listen, then play the melody with your right hand, with finger numbers.

    Open this step
  2. Lower staff

    Step 2: Left hand

    Your left hand learns the piano's lower staff, note for note, while the right hand plays softly so you hear where you are.

    Open this step
  3. Both staves

    Step 3: Both hands

    Both hands together, as written. When you can play it, press "I can play it" and the part is learned.

    Open this step
  4. Then play the whole song

    When you can play every part, play the full sheet music with its backing track in the player.

    Play the full song

Frequently asked questions

How do I learn "OLD AND WISE" on the piano?

Learn "OLD AND WISE" one part at a time, with the song's real notes. The practice splits it into 18 parts of a few bars. Each part has three steps: the right hand, the left hand (the right hand plays softly under it), then both hands. Every step plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down whenever you need. Press "I can play it" when you can play a step, and the next one opens.

What key is "OLD AND WISE" in?

"OLD AND WISE" is in A minor, which has no sharps or flats. The A minor scale is A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

The A natural minor scale

What are the chords in "OLD AND WISE"?

The sheet music uses 24 chords: Am, G, Fmaj7, Em7, Dm7, Em, Dm, Cm, Gm, F, Fm, Dsus, D, G7sus, Ab, D7sus and 8 more.

What does the left hand play in "OLD AND WISE"?

The piano's lower staff: a mix of chords and single notes, about one a beat, from D2 to A4. You learn it on its own first, with the right hand playing softly underneath, then with both hands.

What tempo is "OLD AND WISE"?

"OLD AND WISE" plays at 45 BPM in 2/2, counted in half notes. Every step of the practice plays at the song's tempo, and you can slow it down as much as you need.

Is "OLD AND WISE" hard to play on piano?

It is rated Medium: a good next step once you can play a few easy songs. The melody goes from F4 up to F5. The practice splits it into parts of a few bars, one hand at a time, so you can learn it at your own pace.

How long should I practice each day?

A few minutes is enough. Choose 5, 10 or 15 minutes: the timer ends the session for you, and the next session picks up where you stopped.

Do I need to read sheet music?

No. The practice plays each part for you, one hand at a time, and shows its notes on the sheet and on a keyboard as they play, with finger numbers. Slow it down as much as you need.

Is it free?

Yes. Practicing is free. Sign in to keep your progress and your streak, and to get a daily reminder.

Where can I get the sheet music for "OLD AND WISE"?

Play the full sheet music free in the interactive player, or download a printable PDF.

Sheet music in the playerDownload the PDF