A New Deal For Christmas (from Annie): E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures the optimism and charm of Strouse's original without demanding virtuosity from pianists. The three-page length makes it realistic for students to learn, perform, and actually enjoy during the holidays rather than dread it.

Bright and hopeful, with the warmth of a song about second chances and new beginnings. The melody unfolds with an almost gentle optimism, never asking the pianist to show off but inviting them to simply play with sincerity.

Piano students at the intermediate level who want to play something from a beloved film that their families will recognize instantly. It works equally well for student soloists in winter concerts or as background music for school holiday events.

• Keep the tempo steady and dance-like. The rhythm has a natural swing that falls apart if you rush or drag.
• Balance the melody line so it sits clearly over any accompaniment patterns. Listeners need to follow the tune.
• Shape the phrases to match the lyrical intent. Think about how the song moves through hopefulness to celebration, not just note to note.

Feature this as a standalone solo performance or pair it with other seasonal music to create a Broadway-themed segment in your winter concert. It also pairs naturally with other Annie selections if you're building a film/musical theater showcase.

• Sustaining melodic line clarity over harmonic accompaniment
• Maintaining steady tempo in dance-oriented rhythmic figures
• Shaping musical phrases to support lyrical content
• Reading three-page piano arrangements with mixed note densities