William C. Dix (1837–1898) was an English poet and hymnwriter whose work shaped Victorian sacred music. He crafted "What Child Is This?" as a poem in 1865, setting it to the melody of the traditional Scottish tune "Greensleeves." His gift was making profound theological ideas accessible through memorable, singable verse, which is why his hymns remain central to Christmas programming today.
Why we love this
Phillip Keveren has stripped this beloved carol down to its essentials without sacrificing the warmth that makes it instantly recognizable. The arrangement respects beginners' technical limitations while preserving enough harmonic color to feel complete and musical; students play something genuinely beautiful, not a watered-down placeholder.
What to expect
Reverent and tender, with the gentle wonder that comes from encountering something sacred. The writing stays intimate and contemplative, inviting rather than grand; it feels like a quiet moment of reflection rather than a triumphant announcement.
Who it's for
Early elementary pianists preparing their first Christmas program, or any student ready to tackle three pages of genuine repertoire rather than simplified etudes. This arrangement meets beginners exactly where they are technically while asking them to think like musicians.
How to get the most out of it
Let the melody sing through clearly in the right hand; resist the urge to rush despite the shorter note values. A gentle tempo keeps the carol feeling reflective rather than hurried.
Balance the left hand accompaniment so it supports without overwhelming. These voices should recede behind the melody's natural prominence.
Shape phrases as if singing them. Where would a vocalist breathe? Those same moments are your cues for subtle pedal changes or slight tempo flexibility.
How to use it
Pair this with other beginner arrangements to create a short piano interlude during a Christmas concert, or use it as a transition piece between ensemble selections. It works beautifully as a soloist offering from your newest piano students, offering them visible growth and genuine musical substance in a single recital slot.
Skills your students will build
Reading and playing across two staves with independent left and right hand rhythms
Sustaining melodic phrasing over multiple measures without restarting
Managing pedal technique to create harmonic resonance without muddiness
Interpreting dynamics and tempo nuance to shape musical expression
Navigating three pages of notation with structural continuity
You May Also Like
Scan to Complete Your Purchase
Use your phone's camera to scan the code below
You'll log in on your phone and the order will be added to your account
