Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum)

by Bernard de la Monnoye

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Lyrics

Wil lie, get your lit tle drum, Rob in bring your flute, and come.

Aren’t they fun to play up on?

Tu re lu re lu, pat a pat a pan; When you play your fife and drum, How can an y one be glum?

God and man to day be come close ly joined as flute and drum.

Let the joy ous tune play on!

Tu re lu re lu, pat a pat a pan; As the in stru ments you play, We will sing on Christ mas glum?

God and Day.

Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum) by Bernard de la Monnoye — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum)” by Bernard de la Monnoye in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of C at 144 BPM, a slightly more challenging arrangement — practice each phrase slowly first.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Same song, different levels

Very Beginnerarrangement

Frequently asked questions

Is "Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum)" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Pat-a-pan (Willie, Take Your Little Drum)"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.