Alfred's Basic Piano Library: Top Hits! Christmas Book 4: Piano Book

These arrangements capture the warmth and nostalgia of classic Christmas songs without sacrificing musical substance. From the cool sophistication of The Christmas Waltz to the playful brightness of It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas, the collection swings between introspective and celebratory, offering students a chance to explore different moods and styles within a holiday context.

Intermediate pianists working through Level 4 of Alfred's Basic Piano Library, or students in their second or third year of lessons who are ready for more sophisticated harmonies and jazz-influenced voicings. This book works equally well in group classes and private studios, especially around November and December when holiday music is in demand.

• Balance melody and accompaniment carefully in pieces like The Christmas Song and Christmas Time Is Here. These standards reward a singing right hand that doesn't drown out the harmonic foundation underneath.
• Approach the waltz time signature in The Christmas Waltz with a conductor's pulse: feel three beats per measure, not six. This clarity prevents rushing and lets the gentle swing of the meter breathe.
• Lean into the rhythmic drive of Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree. The energy comes from steady hands and confident syncopation, not from playing faster.
• Use the recorded accompaniment (if available as a separate product) to build confidence with unfamiliar standards. Hearing the intended tempo and harmonic context first helps students internalize style before performing solo.

Feature one or two selections in a holiday recital to let intermediate students perform music their families will recognize and enjoy. Alternatively, use this book as supplementary repertoire in January through October; the pieces are excellent for maintaining interest between method book levels and provide natural stepping stones into jazz standards and popular song arrangements at higher levels.

• Reading jazz voicings and extended harmonies (seventh chords, ninths, suspensions)
• Balancing melody against thicker accompaniment textures
• Playing in compound meters and recognizing waltz time
• Interpreting swing and jazz-influenced rhythmic figures
• Pedal control in pieces with sustained harmonic colors
• Learning standard popular song forms and chord progressions