Fly Me To The Moon

Lesson Notes

Breaking it down

• Note-by-note breakdown:

  The melody breaks into 8 short phrases, one for each left-hand bass note — play the right-hand phrase in that row while the left hand holds its note underneath.

  Phrase	Left hand	Right hand
  1	A	C, B, A, G
  2	D	F, G, A, C
  3	G	B, A, G
  4	C	F, E, A
  5	F	G, F, E
  6	B	D, E, F
  7	E	A, A♭, F
  8	C	E, D, C

• More details:To play Fly Me to the Moon, begin by practicing the melody in the right hand slowly, making sure each note flows smoothly into the next. This melody is jazz-inspired, so aim for a relaxed, swinging feel rather than a rigid rhythm. Pay attention to phrasing, letting the melody rise and fall naturally as if you were singing the lyrics.
  
  In the left hand, practice the bass notes one by one, as they outline the chord progression that gives the piece its jazzy character. Focus on keeping a steady beat and supporting the melody rather than overpowering it. Once you are confident, try playing the left hand more rhythmically, giving it a light swing feel to match the right hand.
  
  When combining hands, balance is key: the right-hand melody should always stand out clearly, while the left hand stays smooth and supportive. If you are comfortable, add a little rubato and dynamic shaping to make the music expressive, mimicking the free, vocal-like quality of jazz.
  
  Once you’re fluent, experiment with adding dynamics—play some phrases softer and others stronger to capture the emotional movement of the song. This will give your performance the charm and warmth that makes Fly Me to the Moon so memorable. History:
  Fly Me to the Moon was originally written in 1954 by Bart Howard under the title In Other Words. The song gained worldwide recognition when Frank Sinatra recorded his famous swing arrangement in 1964, which was later associated with the Apollo missions to the Moon.
  
  The song has since become a jazz standard, performed by countless artists across generations. Its blend of romantic lyrics and elegant harmonies has made it a timeless piece, often played in both concert settings and casual jazz sessions.
  
  Today, Fly Me to the Moon remains one of the most beloved jazz classics, admired for its smooth melody and its association with both romance and space exploration.