Especially Popular Christmas, Book 1: Piano Book

These arrangements balance accessibility with genuine musical substance. Rather than simplifying familiar melodies into predictable patterns, Alexander crafts pieces that reward careful listening and thoughtful practice, giving your students genuinely satisfying music to play while building real technical and interpretive skills.

These arrangements wrap well-known Christmas melodies in accessible but thoughtful harmonies. You'll recognize the tunes instantly, but Alexander's accompanying figures and chord choices give familiar songs fresh warmth and sophistication.

Early Intermediate and Intermediate pianists seeking repertoire that connects to the season without sacrificing musical integrity. This collection appeals equally to students in private lessons and group settings who are ready to tackle rhythmic variety and pedaling technique.

• Shape the legato patterns across both hands as continuous musical phrases rather than isolated notes; the pedal should extend and blend these lines, not obscure them
• Attend to the variety of articulations throughout the collection (staccato, legato, accented notes); these details distinguish each piece and prevent a homogeneous sound
• Explore the range of dynamics within each arrangement; many pieces contain subtle swells and dynamic shadings that transform a simple melody into something expressive
• Listen carefully to the harmonic movement beneath familiar melodies; Alexander's chords often shift the emotional weight of a tune in unexpected ways

Program individual pieces across holiday performances, recitals, or studio showcases throughout the winter season. The collection works especially well as a flexible resource that allows students at similar levels to choose pieces that resonate with them personally.

• Legato pedaling and sustain technique across extended passages
• Articulation variety (staccato, accented, and legato within single pieces)
• Rhythmic complexity including syncopation and varied rhythmic figures
• Expressive phrasing and dynamic shaping of familiar melodies
• Hand coordination in managing distinct textural roles between left and right hands