Christmas Is Coming: E-Z Play Today
Christmas Is Coming Sheet Music Preview

Christmas Is Coming: E-Z Play Today

By Vince Guaraldi

Item: 35-DS00491990
Digital Download
$4.99
Description

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Additional Details
Publisher: Hal Leonard
Page Count: 3
SKU: 35-DS00491990

More about this title

About the Composer: Vince Guaraldi

Vince Guaraldi (1928–1976) shaped the sound of American popular music through his work as a composer, pianist, and arranger. His elegant approach to jazz harmony and his gift for writing memorable melodies made him equally at home in film, television, and the concert hall. Guaraldi is best remembered for his scores to the Peanuts television specials, where his music became inseparable from the characters and stories themselves.

Why we love this

Guaraldi's piano writing balances accessibility with genuine harmonic sophistication, making this arrangement work beautifully for developing pianists who are ready for something beyond basic Christmas fare. The E-Z Play format strips away unnecessary complexity while preserving the warmth and slightly jazz-inflected character that makes Guaraldi's work so distinctive.

What to expect

Gentle and anticipatory, with the kind of understated charm that makes you feel the warmth of the season without any heavy sentimentality. The melody unfolds with a natural grace while the accompaniment provides a subtle harmonic foundation that hints at jazz sensibility without overwhelming the simplicity of the tune.

Who it's for

Pianists at the late elementary to early middle school level who are ready to move beyond simplified lead sheets and want to explore songs with real harmonic depth. Teachers seeking accessible arrangements of recognizable Christmas material that still retain musical integrity.

How to get the most out of it

  • Pay attention to the balance between melody and accompaniment; Guaraldi's arrangements reward clear voicing over rushed tempos.
  • Approach the harmonic movement with care, letting chord changes breathe rather than pushing through them mechanically.
  • Let the accompaniment pattern establish a gentle, unhurried groove that supports rather than overshadows the tune.
  • Experiment with light pedal use to blend the harmony without muddying the clarity of individual voices.

How to use it

This works particularly well as a solo piano piece during a holiday concert's lighter moments, or as an instrumental interlude between vocal selections. It could also serve as a teaching piece for small group or individual study during December, offering students a chance to perform something genuinely musical rather than purely functional.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading and realizing chord symbols in a jazz-inflected context
  • Balancing melodic clarity with accompanying voice movement
  • Understanding how harmonic sophistication can coexist with accessible arrangements
  • Interpreting rhythmic notation and articulation markings thoughtfully

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