Not Just Another Christmas Book 1-3 (Value Pack)

Swinging and spirited, with the energy of a small jazz ensemble anchoring your playing. Whether you're navigating a driving swing groove or flowing through a jazz waltz, the presence of bass and drums on the recordings creates the satisfying sensation of playing within a real trio, transforming what could feel like solo practice into a genuinely collaborative experience.

Early intermediate to late intermediate pianists who enjoy jazz vocabulary and want holiday repertoire that feels stylistically authentic rather than simplified. This set works equally well for students preparing for recitals, party performances, or simply pursuing music that excels musically while fitting the season.

• Use the practice tempo recordings first to internalize the groove and swing feel, then move to performance tempo once the notes are secure.
• Listen closely to the bass line on the accompaniment to understand harmonic movement and your role within the trio texture.
• Experiment with dynamic balance between your melody and comping; the CDs allow you to pull back and let the rhythm section drive certain passages.
• Record yourself playing along with the CDs at performance tempo; hearing the full trio texture reveals phrasing and rubato choices that work best.

Feature these arrangements in December recitals as a change of pace from classical holiday standards, or use them to showcase students who thrive in jazz and swing contexts. The three books offer enough variety and graded difficulty to represent multiple students at an end-of-year concert, or to build a cohesive holiday-themed set that demonstrates range.

• Swing feel and jazz rhythm interpretation
• Playing in ensemble without live bandmates using recorded accompaniment
• Jazz waltz and alternate time signatures
• Voice leading and comping patterns in a jazz context
• Balance and phrasing within a trio texture
• Performance confidence through practice and playalong tempos