Schaum Christmas, C: The Purple Book: Piano Book

These arrangements sit squarely in the sweet spot where students can play recognizable, beloved songs without fighting the notation. The variety across 15 titles means every student finds something that resonates, whether they're drawn to the warmth of "Silent Night" or the energy of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town."

These arrangements capture the joy and simplicity of the season through straightforward melodies and supportive accompaniment. There's a warmth to the harmonic choices that makes even basic progressions feel intentional and musical, inviting young pianists to play with genuine expression rather than just technical accuracy.

Grade 2 piano students working through their first or second year of study need holiday repertoire that feels achievable without being patronizing. This book gives teachers and private instructors fifteen pieces that students actually want to play, making December rehearsals feel like celebration rather than extra work.

• Highlight the melody line in your right hand while keeping left-hand accompaniment light and steady, so the tune always shines through.
• Use the tempos Schaum provides as a starting point, then adjust based on your student's comfort level with the finger work.
• Pay attention to dynamic markings even in Grade 2 pieces; they create expression and keep familiar melodies from sounding rote.
• Practice hands separately at first, then bring them together slowly before attempting performance tempo.

Scatter individual pieces throughout your December lessons or recitals rather than assigning all 15 at once; this gives students choice and keeps the season's music fresh across several weeks. A single arrangement also works as a five-minute holiday performance in a winter concert, or combine three or four pieces into a short suite for a more substantial recital contribution.

• Reading within one-octave ranges in treble clef
• Maintaining steady left-hand accompaniment patterns while focusing on melodic expression
• Playing with dynamic contrast and phrasing in simple contexts
• Building confidence in performance through recognizable, rewarding repertoire
• Sight-reading Grade 2 notation with leger lines and basic time signatures