'Twas the Night Before . . . Cover Image

'Twas the Night Before...: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

$5.95 USD
$5.95 USD
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'Twas the Night Before . . . Cover Image
'Twas the Night Before...: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

'Twas the Night Before...: Piano Duet (1 Piano, 4 Hands) Book

Arranged by Dennis Alexander

Level: Late Elementary

Item: 00-6683
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Description
Duet arrangements of Christmas favorites for late-elementary piano students. The primo parts are designed for any first-year student and are complete in themselves, while the secondo parts can be played by the teacher, parent or more advanced student.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 24
ISBN10: 0-7390-0558-8
ISBN13: 978-0-7390-0558-3
UPC: 038081025698
SKU: 00-6683

More about this title

About the Arranger: Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander

Dennis Alexander has shaped educational piano literature for nearly four decades, beginning his prolific partnership with Alfred Music Publishing in 1986. With over 400 published works to his name, he has become recognized internationally for creating piano repertoire that meets students where they are developmentally while remaining musically engaging and rewarding to perform.

Alexander's teaching career spans multiple institutions, including 24 years at the University of Montana where he directed the piano pedagogy program and chaired the piano department. He later taught at California State University campuses before establishing himself in Albuquerque. Beyond the studio and classroom, he has maintained an active performance career as soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician, including a Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1987. His work has earned commissions from state music teacher associations and international recognition; in 2014, he was invited to judge a national piano competition in India and has conducted master classes at MTNA national conventions.

Why we love this

Alexander has structured these arrangements with real classroom flexibility in mind. The primo parts stand independently so early students feel ownership over their part, while the secondo accommodates whoever sits beside them, making this equally valuable for teacher-student partnerships, parent-child duets, or mixed-level group lessons.

What to expect

Warmth and familiarity wrapped in accessible piano writing. These Christmas favorites feel instantly singable and joyful, with primo parts that sit comfortably under the fingers while the secondo adds harmonic depth and rhythmic support that transforms simple melodies into complete musical experiences.

Who it's for

First-year piano students ready to experience ensemble playing without technical barrier. The primo parts require only foundational reading and hand position skills, making these arrangements ideal for students who are still building fluency but eager to play recognizable music.

How to get the most out of it

  • Balance the melody by letting the primo player sit slightly forward on the bench; this ensures the tune projects clearly without the secondo overpowering it.
  • Work through the secondo part yourself before rehearsing with the student so you can anticipate tempo and phrasing decisions.
  • Practice hands separately if the secondo contains crossings or wide stretches; these arrangements assume comfort with the keyboard layout.

How to use it

Feature these in December studio recitals as a bridge between solo performance and ensemble playing. They also work well in group lessons where students at slightly different levels need to play together, or as holiday gifts for the families of beginning students who want performance material to enjoy at home.

Skills your students will build

  • Reading treble clef with confidence across the entire staff
  • Maintaining steady tempo while listening and responding to a partner
  • Playing with consistent touch and tone quality across both hands
  • Understanding harmonic support and how accompaniment shapes melody
  • Navigating the keyboard independently without always watching the hands

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