Fly Me to the Moon
The jazz standard everyone knows – and a good way into chords beyond major and minor.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Bart Howard
- Year
- 1954
- Origin
- known through Frank Sinatra
- Key
- C major
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 61 are enough
How difficult is it?
The melody is simple, the harmony is not: seventh chords and a circle of fifths running through the piece.
The real hurdle
The seventh chords. If you only know triads, you learn something new here – and it pays off beyond this piece.
How long does it take?
Two to three weeks for a simple version.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
61 keys are enough.
Instruments that suit it
Casio CDP-S360 EU approx. €450–500Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Yamaha CLP-825 EU approx. €1,350–1,650Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Fly Me to the Moon?
The melody is simple, the harmony is not: seventh chords and a circle of fifths running through the piece.
What key is Fly Me to the Moon in?
Fly Me to the Moon is in C major.
How many keys do you need for Fly Me to the Moon?
An instrument with 61 keys is enough for this piece.
Who composed Fly Me to the Moon?
Bart Howard, 1954.
Can you download the sheet music for Fly Me to the Moon for free?
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
How long does it take to learn Fly Me to the Moon?
Two to three weeks for a simple version.
If this suits you
Someone Like You AdeleAdele’s arpeggio pattern – one of the most rewarding pieces for a first performance of your own.
The Entertainer Scott JoplinThe ragtime everyone can whistle – with a left hand that constantly jumps between bass and chord.