For the Dancing and the Dreaming – Study for Tin Whistle & Chords (PDF) – Modern Song

For the Dancing and the Dreaming
Key: C – D / A – C
Arrangement: Study for Tin Whistle & Chords (lead sheet) (also works for other melody instruments)
Period: Modern
Region / Culture: Irish
Type: Song
Format: Digital download (PDF) — 2 files (7.0MB)

About this tune

“For the Dancing and the Dreaming” is a modern song from the film How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2014), written by John Powell and Jónsi.
Even outside the film context, it’s become popular among folk/whistle players because it carries a very singable, “Celtic-leaning” melodic contour: long lyrical arcs, clear cadences, and a chorus-like lift that works beautifully as an instrumental air.

This edition is presented as a Tin Whistle study with chord symbols, so you can use it in two strong ways:

• as a guided practice piece (tone, breath planning, phrasing, and expressive timing), and
• as a performance-ready lead sheet, where the chords let a guitarist/keyboard player support the harmony immediately.

Why “Tin Whistle Study + Chords” is especially useful

• Chords give direction: they help you feel where phrases “lean” and where they “release,” which is crucial in lyrical film themes.
• Instant accompaniment: a simple chord texture (open fifths, light broken chords, or soft pad-style voicings) makes the tune sound full without overpowering the melody.
• Flexible instrumentation: keep the same chord roadmap and swap the melody to recorder/flute/violin/voice if you want a different color.

Performance tips

Treat it like a vocal song: use gentle articulation, keep the tone centered, and think in longer phrase arcs (don’t chop the line into small bars). If you repeat sections, create contrast with softer dynamics first time and a warmer, fuller second time—while keeping the accompaniment supportive and not too busy.

What you receive

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