Premier Piano Course, Christmas 1B: Piano Book

Alexander and his co-authors have crafted arrangements and original pieces that feel neither condescending nor simplistic. Each selection reinforces the exact concepts students encounter in their 1B lesson work, so the holiday repertoire becomes a natural extension of their daily practice rather than a detour. The addition of teacher duets transforms what could be solo practice into a genuine musical conversation, deepening engagement and musicality at an early stage.

A blend of beloved holiday classics and beloved Nutcracker excerpts, arranged with simplicity and warmth. Each piece respects the lyrical and rhythmic foundations students have been building, allowing them to experience the joy of playing music they recognize without wrestling with unfamiliar technical territory.

Students working through Premier Piano Course Level 1B who are ready for motivational holiday repertoire that directly supports their lesson-book concepts. Teachers seeking familiar, seasonally appropriate pieces that maintain the pedagogical integrity of the curriculum without introducing new technical demands.

• Play through the teacher duet part first to hear how your melody sits within the harmonic context; this makes the accompaniment feel less isolated and helps you understand where your line needs clarity.
• Use the duet accompaniments in performance whenever possible, whether for a studio recital or holiday gathering. The collaborative sound is far more musical than a student playing alone and gives young performers confidence.
• Bring out the character of each piece by paying attention to tempo and articulation markings. "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy" and "Russian Dance" benefit from crisp, clean fingerwork; the carols reward a singing, legato approach.

Program selections as a seasonal recital set in November or December, using the teacher duet accompaniments to create a polished, professional sound for young performers. Alternatively, introduce one or two pieces into lesson plans as special repertoire during the holiday season, spacing them across lessons rather than assigning the entire book at once.

• Reinforcing hand position, posture, and proper finger technique in familiar contexts
• Interpreting articulation and dynamic markings introduced in 1B lesson work
• Sight-reading accuracy and confidence with early-level chord progressions
• Ensemble awareness and listening skills through teacher-student duet performance