Jay Livingston was a prolific Hollywood composer and songwriter who, alongside Ray Evans, created some of the most enduring film scores and standards of the mid-twentieth century. Their partnership produced dozens of memorable melodies for motion pictures, and their work earned multiple Academy Award nominations. Livingston's gift for writing accessible, singable melodies made his compositions natural fits for both concert and educational settings.
Why we love this
Phillip Keveren's arrangement captures the warmth and simplicity of this beloved holiday standard while keeping the technical demands firmly in the beginner's reach. The two-page format respects young pianists' attention spans and stamina, yet the voicing and pacing never feel stripped down. This is the kind of arrangement that makes holiday programs feel genuinely festive without requiring students to work above their level.
What to expect
Cozy and nostalgic. The gentle accompaniment pattern evokes city streets dressed in winter lights, while the melody has the warmth of a familiar song returning year after year. It feels unhurried and inviting, never demanding but always musical.
Who it's for
Beginning piano students ready to tackle a recognizable holiday tune with simple chord voicings and a manageable hand position. This works well for students in their first or second year of lessons who want to play something audiences actually know and love.
How to get the most out of it
Let the melody breathe. The accompaniment pattern is steady and supportive, so resist the urge to rush the tune itself.
Shape the phrases as if you were singing them. Notice where Livingston and Evans place their lyrical peaks and valleys, then mirror that shaping in your playing.
Keep the left hand consistent in tone and volume. Its job is to provide a gentle, rocking foundation; it should never compete with the melody.
How to use it
Feature this in a holiday concert's lighter moments, or pair it with other seasonal standards to let younger ensemble members carry a few selections. It also serves beautifully as a solo spot in a mixed-level recital or as a standalone December performance at community venues.
Skills your students will build
Playing steady accompaniment patterns with consistent tone
Balancing melody and harmony in the same hand
Shaping a lyrical line with sensitivity
Reading and executing simple chord voicings
Maintaining tempo over two pages without stopping
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