Description:

“Away In a Manger - Lead Sheet - Key Of C Major” is classified as a Level 3 Piano work worth 1,020 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Lead Sheets → Hymns, Hymns - Christmas and is part of the Composition/Improvisation collection. The sheet music for “Away In a Manger - Lead Sheet - Key Of C Major” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.

“Away In A Manger - Lead Sheet - C Major” is a Christmas carol lead sheet based on the well-known tune by James R. Murray. This version is written in C major and 3/4, with the melody, lyrics, and chord symbols shown above the staff. Since the accompaniment is not fully written out, the performer uses the printed chords to create an original arrangement. The score includes three verses of lyrics and uses simple harmonies such as C, F, G, and Dm.

Measures 1–4 present the opening phrase, “Away in a manger, no crib for a bed.” The melody is written as a single treble-clef line, while the chord symbols outline the harmony underneath. The opening begins in C major and moves briefly to F before returning toward C, giving the performer a simple harmonic foundation for improvising an accompaniment.

Measures 5–8 continue the first verse with “The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.” The melody remains calm and stepwise, while the chords move through C and G before resolving back to C. This phrase keeps the gentle lullaby character of the carol.

Measures 9–12 begin the second half of the carol with “The stars in the sky looked down where He lay.” The melody rises slightly and includes a small slur, adding a more singing quality to the line. The harmony moves from C to F and back toward C.

Measures 13–16 close the lead sheet with “The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.” The chord symbols move through C, G, C, Dm, G, and C, giving the performer a clear final cadence. Since this is a lead sheet, the ending can be played simply or expanded with a fuller improvised conclusion.

Interesting fact: “Away in a Manger” is often sung to two different melodies. The tune used here is commonly known as MUELLER and was published by James R. Murray in 1887, while another widely used setting, CRADLE SONG, was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895. The carol was once commonly attributed to Martin Luther, but modern hymn research generally treats it as American in origin.

How to earn points for this piece:

1. Practice and learn to play the piece. Then improvise your own arrangement.

2. You must play 3 verses only - each verse must be significantly different from the other. (Use different Left Hand techniques, or add embellishments, etc...)

3. Watch the video to see example of improvisation, and check your own arrangement for accuracy. (Your arrangement may be easier or harder than the video example, or be in a different key - and that is okay. You can still submit.)

4. Record yourself playing and upload it to Youtube.

5. Submit a link to your video here for evaluation.

6. Collect your points!