The Music Tree: Christmas is a new addition to the revolutionary Music Tree series. Designed to develop solid reading from the beginning, these Christmas collections contain many of the most-requested carols, in addition to some not readily available for beginners. The duets are impressive and add rich sonority to each student part. Titles: O Come, All Ye Faithful * It Came Upon the Midnight Clear * We Three Kings of Orient Are * Good King Wenceslas * Good Christian Men, Rejoice * Toyland * Jolly Old St. Nicholas
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Louise Goss has been a significant voice in elementary piano pedagogy, bringing thoughtful arranging and editorial work to the Music Tree series. Her approach to adapting familiar repertoire for young pianists balances accessibility with musicality, ensuring that beginners encounter quality literature from their earliest lessons.
Why we love this
These arrangements respect the Music Tree's commitment to deliberate skill development while giving students music that actually sounds like Christmas carols, not simplified skeletons. The teacher duets are genuinely musical partners, not just accompaniment, which transforms what could be a rote exercise into genuine ensemble experience.
What to expect
Warm and accessible, these carols retain their lyrical character while remaining technically uncluttered. Playing them feels like participating in something larger than yourself, even at a beginner level, with the teacher part providing harmonic and textural richness that elevates the whole experience.
Who it's for
Elementary piano students who have progressed beyond absolute beginner materials and are ready for duet experience. Studio teachers and classroom piano instructors looking to introduce holiday repertoire without sacrificing the sequential skill-building that defines the Music Tree method.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the student melody against the teacher's part by adjusting pedal use; let the student line breathe without being buried by the accompaniment.
Establish a steady pulse together before playing through; many students rush when familiar melodies activate their muscle memory.
Shape the duet phrases as you would any piano literature, recognizing that festive doesn't mean fast or without dynamic intention.
Record yourself playing the teacher part, then have the student practice alongside the recording to build confidence in their entrance timing and part security.
How to use it
Assign these duets in November and December to build repertoire that connects students to the broader musical life of the season. They work equally well as studio recital pieces, community music school performances, or informal family gatherings where beginning and advanced pianists might sit down together.
Skills your students will build
Reading leger lines in both treble and bass clef
Playing rhythmic patterns that align with teacher accompaniment
Managing tempo consistency while listening to a second musical line
Phrasing with awareness of harmonic movement underneath the melody
Building confidence through familiar, recognizable melodies
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