Sarah Walker's Christmas Collection: Electronic Keyboard Book

Sarah Walker understands what motivates young keyboard players: accessible repertoire that sounds satisfying from day one. The festive context gives students permission to have fun while working through solid technical fundamentals, and the wit in Drew Hillier's illustrations keeps energy high across a full rehearsal or practice session.

Warm, festive, and encouraging. Each carol unfolds with straightforward melodies and supportive accompaniment, creating that immediate sense of musical accomplishment that keeps young players coming back. The global selection brings genuine cultural variety rather than the same handful of carols heard everywhere.

Beginning and early-elementary keyboard players ready to move beyond note-reading drills into actual repertoire. This book works equally well for students in a classroom setting or in private lessons, and the inclusive range of carols appeals across age groups.

• Explore the different tones and voices available on your keyboard before playing through each carol. Different sounds can completely transform the character of a piece.
• Practice each carol hands separately first, then layer them together slowly. This builds independence and clarity.
• Use the printed lyrics as a guide to phrasing and breathing, even though you're playing rather than singing. Let the text shape your musical lines.
• Try performing some carols as a group while others shine as solos. The variety keeps both players and listeners engaged throughout a set.

Build an entire school Christmas concert around this collection, splitting carols between soloists and small ensembles for variety. Alternatively, students can select individual pieces to perform at winter celebrations, family gatherings, or even as part of a holiday lesson showcase that feels like a real concert rather than a recital.

• Reading elementary-level keyboard notation with both treble and bass clefs
• Hand independence and coordination between left and right hand parts
• Sustaining musical lines through legato playing
• Interpreting tempo and dynamic markings in a melodic context
• Building confidence through successful performance of recognizable repertoire