For the Dancing and the Dreaming – Tin Whistle & Chords Study (PDF) – Original Key

For the Dancing and the Dreaming

Franchise / Source: How to Train Your Dragon 2 (film, 2014)
Key / study reference: C – D / A – C
Arrangement: Study for Tin Whistle and Chords (lead sheet) (also works for other melody instruments)
Special features: chords included, recorder fingering indications on the notes, an extra version with time-marker lines, and original-key / alternate-key study references
Composer credit: John Powell & Jónsi
Period: Modern (21st century)
Region / Culture: Irish / Celtic-inspired film style
Type: Song
Format: Digital download (PDF) — 2 files (7.0MB)

About this piece

“For the Dancing and the Dreaming” is a modern song from How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), written by John Powell and Jónsi. It became especially attractive to whistle and folk players because of its lyrical, singable contour, clear cadences, and gentle Celtic-leaning atmosphere.

This edition is designed as a Tin Whistle study with chords, which makes it much more practical than a melody-only sheet. The included chord symbols are a real advantage for accompaniment, rehearsal, arranging, and performance, especially because many versions of popular themes do not provide a harmonic guide. Here, the harmonic support helps the player understand where phrases lean, where they resolve, and how the melody connects more naturally to the original arrangement style.

Another important didactic feature is that this edition uses recorder fingering indications on the notes rather than note names, which gives visual support without overloading the page. It also includes an extra version with time-marker lines, making note values and rhythmic placement easier to understand at a glance. This is especially useful for students who need stronger rhythmic orientation while learning a lyrical melody.

Although the study references show C – D / A – C, the material can still be played normally on a D tin whistle. In other words, the written study information helps clarify pitch relationships and alternative ranges, but it does not prevent practical use on the standard D whistle.

Why this Tin Whistle + Chords study format is especially valuable

• Chords included: a major practical advantage for accompaniment and performance.
• Better phrasing: the harmony helps you hear where musical tension and release happen.
• Recorder fingering support: useful for reading and quick visual orientation on the instrument.
• Extra version with time-marker lines: makes rhythm and note values easier to understand.
• Playable on D tin whistle: even with the original-key / alternate-key study references shown in the material.
• Flexible use: works both as a study edition and as a performance-ready lead sheet.

Performance tips

Treat it like a vocal song: use gentle articulation, keep the tone centered, and think in long phrase arcs instead of bar-by-bar playing. Let the chords guide the emotional direction of the line. If you repeat sections, create subtle contrast with softer dynamics first time and a warmer, fuller second time, while keeping the accompaniment supportive and not too dense.

What you receive

• 2 PDF files (7.0MB) as listed on the product page.