Not sure how to play from the notes below? Check out our TUTORIAL
About song and easy letter notes
Diving into the timeless classic, “Oh Susanna,” is like stepping back into the mid-19th century when Stephen Foster composed this catchy tune in 1848. Known as the father of American music, Foster crafted “Oh Susanna” in a minstrel style, a genre that, while controversial for its associations with blackface minstrelsy, played a significant role in the evolution of American folk music. The song narrates the journey of a man from the South who heads to New Orleans, with its famously catchy chorus, “Oh! Susanna, don’t you cry for me, for I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee,” resonating through American culture for over a century. Its upbeat tempo and simple, yet evocative lyrics have made it a staple in the American musical landscape, appealing to a broad audience, from children singing in classrooms to adults appreciating its historical context.
For those embarking on their musical journey, “Oh Susanna” is an excellent choice featured in our piano songbook with letters. The beauty of learning to play this song through our piano book for beginners lies in the innovative approach of using letter notes and keyboard stickers, making it accessible for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with traditional music notation. This method, known as play by letter, allows for an immediate and gratifying experience, enabling learners to dive straight into playing music. Furthermore, the song’s simplicity, combined with its rich cultural heritage and engaging melody, makes it a perfect piece for piano exercises for beginners. Whether you’re a young learner using a piano book for kids or an adult exploring the piano learning book for adults, “Oh Susanna” offers a delightful entry point into the world of music, showcasing the power of letter notation in bringing historical tunes to life for contemporary audiences.
Some of the notes on our website contain the full version of the song, and some are excerpts, or for example the very beginning, chorus or verse, etc. Full versions of all the notes can be found in our books and e-books: SHOP.
