Description:

“Carol of the Bells - Piano Solo by David Hicken” is classified as a Level 9 Piano work worth 520,000 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Advanced Piano Arrangements → Christmas Popular and is part of the Pop Music collection. The sheet music for “Carol of the Bells - Piano Solo by David Hicken” provided on this website has the following copyright status: Copyrighted.

“The Bell Carol” is arranged here as an advanced piano solo with constant rhythmic motion, layered bell-like patterns, and a large build across seven pages. The arrangement begins with the familiar repeated carol motive, then expands into fuller left-hand motion, thicker two-hand textures, louder dynamic peaks, and a final driving section with repeated accented chords and fast passagework.

Measures 1–11 introduce the main bell pattern. The right hand begins with the repeated carol motive while the left hand gradually enters with flowing accompaniment patterns underneath. The opening uses changing meters, a brief poco rit., and then returns a tempo, giving the beginning a slightly flexible, dramatic setup before the main drive begins.

Measures 12–23 build the first large statement. The left hand keeps fast repeated accompaniment patterns while the right hand carries the carol material above it. The dynamics move through mf, f, mp, and p subito, so the section grows and pulls back instead of staying at one level.

Measures 24–42 continue the main texture with more motion and stronger accents. The right hand becomes more active with repeated figures, small runs, and accented notes, while the left hand keeps the steady rhythmic engine underneath. Around measures 35–38, the music reaches a stronger ff and f sound before settling back to a more moderate dynamic.

Measures 43–52 create a contrasting middle area. The texture becomes lighter and more spaced out at first, with a clearer melodic line over the left-hand pattern. By measures 50–52, the music rises into a brighter, louder section with ff and repeated high-register motion.

Measures 53–66 form the final large build. The arrangement returns to the constant bell-like drive, but now with heavier accents, repeated chord patterns, and more forceful two-hand writing. The final pages push the repeated motive into a bigger concert-style ending, using strong dynamics and dense rhythmic motion to close the piece with full energy.

Interesting fact: This arrangement is connected to David Hicken’s popular YouTube performance of “The Bell Carol.” His video has reached about 8.7 million views, making it one of the more widely watched solo piano versions of the carol online. The fast, dramatic performance style matches the constant motion, layered patterns, and energetic build found throughout the score. YouTube Music - David Hicken

How to earn points for this piece:

1. Download or purchase the sheet music.

2. Practice the piece carefully. Watch the video example to make sure you are accurate.

3. Record yourself on video and upload it to Youtube. (Perfection is not required. A few minor mistakes are okay)

4. Submit a link to your video here for evaluation. We will watch your performance and give you feedback. If you need more practice - we will let you know exactly what you need to work on along with additional practice suggestions. (Or you can submit a video to the public and other users will evaluate your video)

5. If your performance is good, we will approve your video and you can collect your points.