Believe (from The Polar Express): Piano Sheet

Carol Matz's Big Note arrangement captures the warmth and accessibility of Groban's original performance without sacrificing the song's emotional core. The inclusion of lyrics and chord symbols makes this a practical choice for students who are beginning to blend singing with keyboard playing, or for teachers building a winter concert that reaches families beyond traditional concert repertoire.

Gentle and hopeful, with a quiet dignity that builds without ever becoming bombastic. The melody unfolds like a lullaby for the heart, inviting the player to slow down and listen closely to each phrase, while the harmonic support underneath creates a sense of safety and wonder.

This arrangement serves early intermediate pianists who are ready to tackle a song with real emotional weight and a message that connects with young performers. It also works well for students exploring how film music translates to solo piano, or for teachers building inclusive winter programs that honor popular culture alongside traditional holiday music.

• Take time with the opening measures to establish the reflective mood before the melody enters; resist the urge to rush into the verse.
• Use the chord symbols as guides for adding subtle left-hand voicings once the melody feels secure, rather than relying only on the written bass notes.
• Shape the phrases to mirror the lyrical content, allowing space to breathe at moments of hope or wonder that the text suggests.
• Coordinate with a vocalist if performing this as a duet; let the singer lead the emotional pacing while you provide gentle, supporting accompaniment.

Feature this in a winter or holiday concert as a solo piece by an intermediate student, or pair it with traditional carols to create a program that speaks to contemporary audiences. Its eight pages and moderate length make it suitable as a standalone item or as part of a mixed recital program with contrasting styles.

• Legato playing and phrase shaping in a contemporary idiom
• Coordinate melody and accompaniment at different dynamic levels
• Reading lead sheet notation (melody with chord symbols)
• Interpreting lyrical text through instrumental playing
• Building musical narrative across a longer form (8 pages)