This Is Halloween (from The Nightmare Before Christmas): E-Z Play Today

Mischievous and theatrical, with just enough harmonic spice to keep things interesting. The melody dances forward with a bouncy swagger, supported by a rhythm section that never quite settles into comfort. You're channeling the personality of a character who's both sinister and endearing.

Students who love film music and want an arrangement that feels genuinely playable without condescension. Young pianists preparing for recitals or ensemble performances will find enough musical substance here to justify the effort, and the Halloween/Christmas crossover appeal makes it a year-round option.

• Nail the rhythmic swagger early. The groove of this tune lives in slightly syncopated phrasing, so lock in the pocket before worrying about dynamics.
• Let the left hand breathe space underneath the melody. Resist the urge to fill every moment; the emptiness is part of what makes it sound mischievous.
• Lean into character at the keyboard. This piece invites performance, not just accurate note-playing. Find where the laugh is hiding in each section.
• Mark the tempo shifts clearly in your part if they occur. Familiarity with the film version helps, but the sheet music is your guide.

Perfect for a fall concert with a film music or pop culture theme, or hold it for a holiday program that leans toward the whimsical side of Halloween and Christmas. Pair it with other Elfman arrangements or contemporary film score music to create a modern classics set that appeals to students and audiences alike.

• Reading simplified notation with letter names and chord symbols
• Interpreting syncopated rhythms in a pop-influenced context
• Balancing melody and accompaniment with intentional spacing
• Building character and mood through phrasing and articulation choices