Premier Piano Express, Christmas Book 2: Piano Book

This collection pairs beloved holiday melodies with writing that stays true to early-intermediate concepts without oversimplifying the arrangements. The inclusion of teacher duet accompaniments transforms solo practice into genuine musical dialogue, rewarding students who are ready to engage with more sophisticated textures while keeping the technical demands appropriate for the level.

Warm, celebratory, and genuinely musical. These arrangements capture the joy of familiar carols without the awkwardness of overly simplified piano writing. Each piece feels complete and satisfying to play, offering students the tangible reward of sounding expressive and assured.

Early-intermediate piano students (Level 2) who are ready to apply foundational technique to recognizable repertoire. Teachers using the Premier Piano Express curriculum will find this collection essential for maintaining student motivation during the winter months while reinforcing the core concepts from the corresponding method book.

• Balance the melody against the accompaniment when a teacher duet is present. The student part should sing above the piano rather than competing with it; listen carefully during rehearsals to find the right dynamic relationship.
• Practice the rhythmic patterns of carols separately from the melodic line. Many of these pieces use syncopation and phrase groupings that differ from how singers typically approach the same tunes.
• Shape each phrase according to the harmonic movement rather than waiting until the end of a line. Pieces like 'Joy to the World' and 'O Come, All Ye Faithful' reveal their structure through chord changes that can guide your interpretation.
• Work through the pieces in the order they appear in the book to reinforce the pedagogical concepts being developed throughout the Premier Piano Express curriculum.

Create a winter recital or holiday celebration featuring these pieces as the anchor repertoire. Since many titles are recognizable to families and community members, students experience the confidence that comes from playing music the audience already loves. The teacher duets also allow studio teachers to participate in student performances, creating an inviting atmosphere for winter programs.

• Playing simple two-hand coordination with melody in the right hand and supporting accompaniment in the left
• Recognizing and interpreting common chord progressions in context
• Maintaining consistent rhythm and tempo while navigating the rhythmic patterns of familiar melodies
• Performing with musical expression and phrasing in the context of known tunes
• Counting and executing basic syncopation and grace notes where they appear in the arrangements