Christmas Treats & Treasures, Book 5: Piano Book

Rollin's arrangements respect the integrity of each carol while making them genuinely enjoyable to play at this level. The collection spans familiar melodies students already know, which builds confidence, but her harmonic treatments and voicings keep the writing fresh and engaging enough that even experienced intermediate pianists find musical substance here.

These arrangements radiate warmth and festivity without sacrificing musicianship. Rollin's voice leading creates moments of subtle beauty within familiar melodies, offering pianists the satisfaction of playing something that sounds substantial and intentional rather than generic or lightweight.

Intermediate to late intermediate piano students who are ready for thoughtfully arranged holiday repertoire that feels celebratory without being simplistic. Teachers looking for genuine musical content to program in December recitals or holiday events will find six separate pieces here, each with its own character and learning value.

• Balance melody and accompaniment by considering which hand carries the tune in each section; Rollin often distributes the line between hands, so clarity comes from understanding where the ear should naturally follow.
• Lean into the character of each piece. "Silent Night" calls for restraint and legato playing, while "Jingle Bells" benefits from rhythmic precision and lighter touch.
• Pay attention to Rollin's pedal markings; she uses the sustain pedal intentionally to shape harmony and texture rather than as a default setting.

Build a December recital around these six pieces, mixing them with other seasonal selections, or offer them as individual learning projects spread across the fall semester so students have time to polish them for holiday performances. "Silent Night" and "What Child Is This?" work especially well as quiet, reflective closers, while "Jingle Bells" lands best as an energetic middle-program moment.

• Playing idiomatic piano accompaniment patterns (Alberti bass, broken chords, repeated rhythmic figures)
• Managing hand independence in arrangements where melody and harmony are distributed between hands
• Pedal technique for sustaining harmonic color without blurring texture
• Shaping phrasing in familiar melodies through tempo nuance and dynamic control
• Reading and responding to harmonic complexity in traditional chord progressions