With Christmas less than a month away, many students rush out to purchase Christmas music. This usually reminds me that it’s time for me to practice for my Christmas gigs. There are wonderful Christmas anthologies available at various playing levels. For the beginning student, I usually recommend Faber & Faber’s supplemental Christmas books, from PreTime Piano (Primer Level) to AdvanceTime Piano (Early Intermediate piano). The books correspond nicely with the Piano Adventures series. For more information, you can visit Faber & Faber’s site:
look inside | PreTime Christmas Primer Level. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Christmas, Recital, Supplementary. Softcover. 20 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1015. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420124). |
look inside | PlayTime Piano Christmas Level 1. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Christmas, Recital, Supplementary. CD only. Faber Piano Adventures #CD1036. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420101). |
look inside | ShowTime Christmas Level 2A. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Includes traditional carols as well as seasonal favorites. Christmas. Softcover. 24 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1037. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420146). |
look inside | ChordTime Christmas Level 2B. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Christmas, Method, Recital, Supplementary. Softcover. 28 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1005. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420114). |
look inside | FunTime Christmas Level 3A-3B. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Christmas favorites arranged for the Level 3A - 3B student, including both traditional and popular songs which students find especially appealing. Christmas, Recital, Supplementary. Softcover. 32 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1006. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420115). |
look inside | BigTime Christmas Level 4. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. Faber Piano Adventures. Christmas, Educational. Softcover. 40 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1016. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420125). |
look inside | AdvanceTime Christmas Level 5. Arranged by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber. PreTime to BigTime Piano Supplementary Library. Christmas, Recital, Supplementary. Softcover. 40 pages. Faber Piano Adventures #FF1124. Published by Faber Piano Adventures (HL.420203). |
For the intermediate to advanced student, I recommend the Reader’s Digest Merry Christmas Songbook. It is the only Christmas book I bring to gigs with me. It’s in Piano/Vocal/Guitar format, so it can be used in ensembles. The chord symbols are on the score, making it easy to fake the accompaniment if you wish.
look inside | Reader's Digest Piano Library: Christmas Classics 50 Christmas Favorites Arranged for Piano and Voice. Composed by Various. Edited by David Pearl. Music Sales America. Christmas. Softcover with CD. 136 pages. Music Sales #AM993971. Published by Music Sales (HL.14026958). |
These books are available at all major music stores or by clicking on my Sheetmusicplus affiliate links above.
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