Christmas Treats & Treasures, Book 1: Piano Book

Rollin's arrangements respect the melodic integrity of these beloved carols while making them genuinely fun to play at an early elementary level. The optional duet accompaniments give students agency to choose their performance context, whether they're playing solo or pairing with a teacher or peer, and they add warmth without overwhelming young pianists navigating the melody.

Warm, celebratory, and accessible. Each arrangement captures the joy and nostalgia of the season while maintaining musical integrity; the carols feel complete and satisfying to play rather than simplified or watered down. Familiar melodies paired with thoughtful harmonies create moments of real musicality even at an early stage.

Early elementary and elementary piano students preparing for holiday recitals or special seasonal performances. These arrangements work equally well for students performing their first Christmas program or those solidifying their foundational technique through familiar, engaging material.

• Draw out the gentle lyricism in the slower carols like "Away in a Manger" and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" by allowing rubato in the phrases rather than locking strictly to the beat.
• For the faster, rhythmically driven pieces such as "Jingle Bells" and "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas," establish a steady tempo in rehearsal so students can focus on articulation and phrasing without rushing.
• When performing duets, ensure the accompanist listens carefully to the student soloist's interpretation and follows their natural phrasing, creating a genuine musical partnership rather than a rigid underlay.
• Adjust dynamics conservatively at this level, emphasizing the natural shape of each melody rather than dramatic contrasts that can distract young players from secure hand position and note accuracy.

Build an entire holiday recital around this collection, programming selections in varied tempos and moods to create musical contrast. Individual arrangements also work beautifully as opening or closing pieces in mixed studio recitals, or as group pieces if multiple students in your studio are at this level.

• Recognizing and playing well-known melodies with accurate note reading and rhythm
• Sustaining musical phrase shapes across simple harmonic accompaniments
• Ensemble balance and listening when performing optional duet accompaniments
• Interpreting familiar music expressively without sacrificing hand position or technical accuracy
• Building confidence and joy in performance through repertoire that resonates emotionally