UCL PLAY - WEEK 6
"WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING"
This week you will explore key changing techniques along with the song, WHEN IRISH EYES ARE SMILING, which contains 3 different keys.
The song is a lighthearted song in tribute to Ireland produced for a theatrical show called The Isle O' Dreams. It was first published in 1912, at a time when songs in tribute to a romanticised Ireland were very numerous and popular both in Britain and the United States. During the First World War the famous tenor John McCormack recorded the song. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Foster & Allen, Payton Taylor, and Emma Sophia to name but a few
The song is a lighthearted song in tribute to Ireland produced for a theatrical show called The Isle O' Dreams. It was first published in 1912, at a time when songs in tribute to a romanticised Ireland were very numerous and popular both in Britain and the United States. During the First World War the famous tenor John McCormack recorded the song. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Foster & Allen, Payton Taylor, and Emma Sophia to name but a few
This version has an extended opening scene, produced for the play that we will not be playing. Instead you will be concentrating on playing the main body of the song in 3 different keys and understanding how to change keys using the Key Signature Chart.
CHORDS
This song features a rich harmonic progression, with numerous chord changes throughout.
Notably, it modulates three times, starting in the key of F, ascending to G, and ultimately concluding in the key of A. These key changes create a sense of movement and elevation, adding to the song's dynamic character.
Notably, it modulates three times, starting in the key of F, ascending to G, and ultimately concluding in the key of A. These key changes create a sense of movement and elevation, adding to the song's dynamic character.
STRUMMING TECHNIQUES
This song is written in 3/4 time, commonly known as Waltz Time, giving it a distinctive rhythmic flow.
It maintains a steady pulse throughout, with a notable pause for a single strum at the very end of each section. This subtle break adds a sense of phrasing and resolution, reinforcing the song’s structure and musical expression.
It maintains a steady pulse throughout, with a notable pause for a single strum at the very end of each section. This subtle break adds a sense of phrasing and resolution, reinforcing the song’s structure and musical expression.
SONG STRUCTURE
Each section of the song maintains the same number of bars, but the structure is not as straightforward as it might seem. Below is a brief breakdown of the chord progression, detailing how many bars to play for each section. Understanding this layout will help you anticipate changes and maintain a steady flow throughout the song. Note that the 1st 2 sections have an extra 3 bars at the end (in green) to help you transition to the next key with ease and flow.
AUDIO TRACKS
Listen to each section individually at a slower speed of 120 BPM to familiarise yourself with the chord sequence.
Take your time to get comfortable with the transitions before combining all the sections. This step-by-step approach will help you build confidence and accuracy as you progress.
Take your time to get comfortable with the transitions before combining all the sections. This step-by-step approach will help you build confidence and accuracy as you progress.
PART 1 - KEY OF F
PART 2 - KEY OF G
PART 3 - KEY OF A
BARITONE CHORDS - PART 1 - 3
VIDEO TUTORIALS
These video tutorials will be available within 24 hours of your class taking place.
PART 1
PART 2
PART 3
BARITONE PART
MP3 DOWNLOAD
Download the full-speed MP3 track (155 BPM) containing all parts, by clicking the button below. This will be a great tool for offline practice, helping you build confidence and accuracy while playing along at home.
NOW OPEN