“Happy Birthday to You” is a Level 2A piano arrangement of the famous birthday song by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill. It is written in 3/4 time, with a short freely played introduction, a simple melody, held left-hand chords, hand-over motion, dynamic changes, and a humorous “Silly Ending.” The arrangement keeps the familiar birthday melody clear while adding a playful ending that lets the music continue until the birthday age is counted.

The opening freely played section before measure 1 introduces the tune with longer notes and a fermata. This creates a short musical setup before the main birthday song begins.

Measures 1–5 present the first half of the birthday melody. The right hand carries the familiar tune while the left hand adds simple supporting chords and rests. The music is marked “Happily,” giving the main section a cheerful character.

Measures 6–11 complete the birthday song. The melody continues through “Happy birthday, dear ___” and returns to the final “Happy birthday to you.” This section includes a hand cross-over and a louder dynamic before the final phrase settles into a held chord.

Measures 12 to the end form the “Silly Ending.” The meter changes to 4/4, and the music repeats a short question pattern: “Are you 1? Are you 2?” and so on. The ending is repeated as needed until the performer reaches the birthday age.

The optional teacher duet adds a fuller accompaniment underneath the student part. It includes sustained bass notes, chordal support, and a special silly ending where the teacher holds the pedal until the student reaches the correct age.

Interesting fact: The melody of “Happy Birthday to You” grew out of “Good Morning to All,” a children’s song published by Mildred and Patty Hill in 1893. The birthday version later became one of the most widely recognized songs in the world.