Christmas

Arranged for beginning Suzuki piano students but their simple hand positions, easy rhythms, repetitive left-hand patterns and familiar melodies make them suitable for students of most piano methods. The book reinforces concepts presented in Suzuki Piano Volume 1. Notes are included to show these correlations. Rather than presenting new material and taking the student off in a different direction, teachers are able to continue teaching the same material right through the Christmas season. "Beginning Christmas Favorites" is also excellent for Suzuki teachers introducing their students to note reading. The arrangements have been designed to create as full a sound with as little complexity as possible. The first four pieces have two arrangements each - one is simple, one is more difficult. These may be played separately, together as a theme and variation, or they can function as duets if the secondo part uses left hand only and the primo part is played one octave higher. All pieces are pitched in singable keys if transposed down one octave. The size of the notes is large and the layout is clear for easy reading. Words have been included to encourage family and friends singing together. Titles are: Jingle Bells (solo and duet) * Away in a Manger (solo and duet) * Silent Night (solo and duet) * Angels We Have Heard on High (solo and duet) * The First Noel (solo) * We Three Kings (solo)

When Bugs Bunny has a Christmas party, these are the songs he wants to play. The arrangements are comfortable for elementary level students, and sound good as solos. And in addition (drum roll, please), each has an optional duet part for the teacher or more advanced student to play. The accompaniments are clever, bright, sophisticated where appropriate, and carefully "krafted" so they enhance the solo without adding a complication for the student. This collection will definitely appeal to children of all ages, including discriminating adults.