Believe It Or Not (Theme from The Greatest American Hero): Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet gives pianists and vocalists direct access to one of the most recognizable TV themes ever written. The straightforward melody and chord progression make it accessible for students across levels, while the inherent catchiness keeps ensemble energy high. It's the kind of piece that connects classical training to popular culture in a way that genuinely resonates with learners.

Optimistic and uplifting with an inherent sense of adventure. The melody sits in a comfortable middle register and carries an almost conversational quality, making it feel approachable rather than grandiose.

Pianists and singers preparing pop music arrangements, jazz ensembles exploring contemporary themes, or any musician building a repertoire that bridges classical technique with recognizable contemporary material. This works equally well as a solo feature or an ensemble addition.

• Lock into the groove early. This tune lives and dies by its rhythmic pocket; spend rehearsal time grounding the accompaniment before worrying about embellishment.
• Shape the melody with light phrasing. Avoid clipping the ends of phrases; let the singability of this line breathe naturally.
• Balance the lead sheet's harmonic simplicity with intentional voicing choices. A pianist can add interest through register and chord density without overcomplicating the changes.

Feature this in a pop, jazz, or multimedia concert that celebrates themes from film and television. It pairs well with other iconic TV themes or sits naturally in a program exploring 1980s songwriting.

• Reading lead sheet chord symbols and understanding functional harmony
• Melodic phrasing and breath control (for vocalists)
• Accompanying from a lead sheet with harmonic awareness
• Interpreting groove-based rhythm notation