The adventures of Beethoven Bear and Mozart Mouse continue in this new series of solo/activity books written to correlate with the Music for Little Mozarts series. In Christmas Fun!, Book 2, Clara Schumann-Cat is having a Christmas party. Students will enjoy the Christmas story with its pictures, piano solos (with optional teacher duets) and activity pages. Many students may also want to color the illustrations scattered throughout the story. Use this book during the Christmas season after the student has studied page 38 in the Music Lesson Book 2.
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Christine H. Barden shaped the landscape of early childhood music education as a primary architect of Alfred's Music for Little Mozarts method. Based in Reno, Nevada, she maintains a thriving independent studio where her students consistently earn recognition in piano and composition competitions. Her background includes formal piano training at San Francisco State University under Vladimir Brenner, a soloist with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, followed by four years of study and performance across Europe.
Barden's influence extends globally through her work with the Yamaha Music Education System, where she served as National Chief Instructor and Director of Curriculum for 17 years. She regularly conducts clinics for piano teachers at major conferences in the United States and internationally, including presentations in England, Norway, and Singapore. Her compositional work appears throughout the Music for Little Mozarts series and in standalone pieces, including the National Federation of Music Clubs Junior Festival selection, Etude Toccata.
Why we love this
The Christmas narrative structure keeps young pianists engaged beyond the musical score itself. Each piece arrives with built-in context and motivation, making practice feel like story progression rather than repetition. The optional teacher duets elevate every solo, transforming a student performance into genuine collaboration.
What to expect
Cozy and festive, with melodies that sparkle without overwhelming small hands. The Christmas party atmosphere comes through in playful character moments and charming musical details that invite young pianists to explore the emotional side of their playing, not just the mechanics.
Who it's for
Students working through the Music for Little Mozarts curriculum at the Book 2 level who have reached page 38 of the lesson book. This is ideal for pianists age 5 to 8 who respond well to narrative-driven learning and enjoy the illustrated storybook format alongside their technical studies.
How to get the most out of it
Follow the story arc carefully; each piece moves the narrative forward, so talk through what Clara's party guests are doing before playing each section
The optional teacher duets add harmonic color and grounding that helps students feel supported; rehearse those duet parts thoroughly so you can respond musically to what they're doing
Encourage students to notice how the music reflects the Christmas mood; this trains their ear to connect emotion with the actual notes they're playing
How to use it
Assign this during the November through December teaching window as a thematic complement to your regular lesson book work. Many teachers use it as a seasonal reward and incentive, rotating through the pieces during practice sessions while the story unfolds across several weeks. It also works beautifully as content for a pre-holiday studio recital, since the activity pages and illustrations give students ownership over how they present their work.
Skills your students will build
Reading and performing elementary Christmas melodies
Coordination with teacher duet accompaniment
Following narrative context to shape musical phrasing
Recognizing seasonal musical character and mood
Sustained engagement through multi-page story form
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