Quick Summary
- Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate (Due to range).
- Standard Key: C or D Major (can be transposed).
- Time Signature: (Simple Triple).
- Core Feature: The melody consists largely of stepwise scale motion.
- Best For: Congregational singing and SATB choirs.
About The First Noel
The First Noel is a traditional English Christmas carol. The word “Noel” comes from French and means Christmas.
The carol was first sung in Cornwall, England, as early as the 16th century. Since it was passed down by word of mouth, no one knows exactly who composed it.
The first written version appeared in 1823 in a book called Carols Ancient and Modern. Later, in 1871, the English composer John Stainer arranged the carol in Christmas Carols, New and Old. His version became very popular and is still sung today.
This carol tells the story of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. That is why it remains a favourite for choirs, schools, and churches around the world. You can learn more about the history of The First Noel.
The Time Signature (3/4)
The piece is written in simple triple time. Mathematically, this is expressed as:
This indicates there are three crotchet (quarter) beats per measure. However, the phrasing is unique. The song does not begin on the downbeat (Beat 1). It begins on Beat 3.
- Beat 1: Strong
- Beat 2: Weak
- Beat 3: Medium (The pickup/Anacrusis)
The Key Signature
While often sung in various keys, D Major is the standard for hymnals.
- Doh (d): D
- Ray (r): E
- Me (m): F#
- Fah (f): G
- Soh (s): A
The First Noel Lyrics
To fully appreciate the Tonic Solfa of The First Noel, it helps to see the full lyrics. These timeless words have been sung for centuries, reminding us of the joy of Christ’s birth.
Here are the lyrics to The First Noel:
Verse 1
The First Noel, the angels did say,
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep,
On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Verse 2
They looked up and saw a star,
Shining in the east, beyond them far;
And to the earth it gave great light,
And so it continued both day and night.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Verse 3
And by the light of that same star,
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a king was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
Verse 4
This star drew nigh to the northwest,
O’er Bethlehem it took its rest;
And there it did both stop and stay,
Right over the place where Jesus lay.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel.
The First Noel Tonic Solfa
Below is the tonic solfa notation for the melody of The First Noel. This version is set in the key of C major (where d = C).
Line 1
The first
m r d
Line 2
No – el
r m f s
Line 3
The an – gels did say
l t dI t l s
rI stands for higher octave “r“.
Line 4
Was to cer – tain poor
l t dI t l
Line 5
She – pherds in fields
s l t dI
Line 6
As they lay
s f m
Line 7
In field
m r d
Line 8
Where they lay
r m f s
Line 9
Kee – ping their sheep
l t dI t l s
dI stands for higher octave “d“.
Line 10
On a cold win – ter’s night
l t dI t l s
Line 11
That was so deep
l t dI s f m
Line 12
No – el
m r d
Line 13
No – el
r m f s
Line 14
No – el No – el
dI t l l s
Line 15
Born is the King of
dI t l s l t
Line 16
I – sra – el
dI s f m
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Sing The First Noel Tonic Solfa
Learning The First Noel Tonic Solfa is easy if you take it step by step. Follow this guide:
1. Find the Tonic (Do)
- In this version, Do (d) is C.
- Play C on a piano or keyboard, or use a pitch app.
- This is your home note.
2. Practice the Scale
- Sing the solfa scale first: d r m f s l t d
- This warms up your voice and prepares your ear.
3. Learn the First Line Slowly
Take the first solfa line:
- Say it slowly.
- Then sing it with the words: “The first Noel the angel did say…”
4. Repeat Line by Line
- Break the song into small parts.
- Sing each solfa line two or three times.
- Then connect them.
5. Add the Chorus
Practice the chorus:
Sing: “Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel…”
6. Sing With Music or Piano
- Match your solfa to the rhythm of the music.
7. Practice Every Day
- Spend 10–15 minutes daily.
- Soon, you’ll sing the whole carol easily in solfa.
💡 Pro Tip: Record yourself and listen. This helps you catch mistakes and improve.
Downloadable PDF
Want a printable The First Noel Tonic Solfa sheet ? Click below to download it and practice anytime:
Download The First Noel Tonic Solfa PDF
The First Noel Tonic Solfa Video
Learning with visuals and audio can make mastering The First Noel much easier. That’s why we recommend watching a Tonic Solfa tutorial video. This type of video not only guides you through the solfa notation but also lets you hear how the notes should sound.
Here’s a helpful YouTube video on The First Noel Tonic Solfa:
Here are the great lessons that can build your creativity and confidence.
- Top 10 Easy Christmas Carol Songs in Tonic Solfa
- Deck the Hall Tonic Solfa
- Ding Dong Merrily on High Tonic Solfa
- Jingle Bells Tonic Solfa
- Practical Way to Master Tonic Solfa for Beginners
- What Are Note Values in Music
- How to Find the Tonic Solfa of Any Song
- 10 Ear Training Techniques For Musicians
FAQs
Q1. What is the Tonic Solfa of The First Noel?
The Tonic Solfa of The First Noel is a simplified way of singing the melody using syllables like do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti. It makes it easier for choirs, schools, and beginners to learn the carol without needing sheet music.
Q2. Who composed The First Noel?
The original version of The First Noel is a traditional English Christmas carol from the 17th century. Its exact composer is unknown, but it was first published in 1823 in Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern.
Q3. Why learn The First Noel in Tonic Solfa?
Learning this carol in Tonic Solfa makes it simple for beginners and choirs to stay in tune, practise harmonies, and build confidence in singing. It is especially useful in schools and churches where not everyone reads staff notation.
Q4. Can I teach The First Noel with Tonic Solfa to children?
Yes, children find Tonic Solfa much easier than standard notation. It helps them connect sound with symbols, making Christmas carols more fun and engaging.
Q5. Where can I find a video tutorial for The First Noel Tonic Solfa?
You can watch a helpful tutorial here: 👉 The First Noel Tonic Solfa
Final Thought
This guide gives you everything you need to sing or play The First Noel with confidence. If you want more carols in tonic solfa, feel free to request additional songs—your Christmas repertoire will grow in no time.
