'Tain't No Sin

Walter Donaldson

ModernSpecialistwaltzModerato4/4~3 min
H2
Henle (estimated)
RCM 3ABRSM 3

About this piece

Originally a popular jazz song by Walter Donaldson, this piece is frequently arranged for solo piano in a stride or novelty style. It is distinctive for its syncopated rhythm and tongue-in-cheek title.

Teacher notes

The main technical challenge involves executing the stride-piano rhythmic drive with consistent accuracy.

Technical focus

waltz-rhythmarticulationvoicing

Mood

playfulelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 'Tain't No Sin

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 2 pieces (Beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'Tain't No Sin by Walter Donaldson?

'Tain't No Sin is rated Henle level 2 of 9 — beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 2–3. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 3.

What level do I need to play 'Tain't No Sin?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 2 — meaning you can already play level 1–2 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is 'Tain't No Sin?

A typical performance of 'Tain't No Sin lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'Tain't No Sin?

'Tain't No Sin is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'Tain't No Sin?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 'Tain't No Sin (To Dance Around in Your Bones) by Walter Donaldson, 'Cause I'm in Love by Walter Donaldson, Bach-bwv-anh-114 by Johann Sebastian Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.