You won’t be surprised that it has two shelves of Christmas carol books and another entire shelf dedicated to Christmas piano books. then there is all the loose sheet music, choral music and choral ensembles. it’s a lot of music that only comes out a small fraction of the year.
In this blog post I wanted to share my top 10 Christmas piano books. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced pianist, a teacher or an apprentice, there’s something here for everyone.
You are reading: Christmas songs piano books
1. Piano Time Carols
suitable for: grade 1 and below
There are a plethora of Christmas carol books for beginners, but I especially like this one that accompanies the popular series of piano books. contains 19 simple arrangements primarily using each hand individually. the left parts, with one exception, do not move the position of the hand. they’re nice arrangements, and when combined with the duo’s accompaniments, they sound effective. the arrangements in this book will, for the most part, suit pianists who have not yet reached grade level 1.
piano time carols (arr. hall) is published by oxford university press, isbn 0193727374.
2. Carol Jazz
suitable for: grades 4-6
This was one of the first books I owned that featured Christmas carols in alternative “jazz” arrangements. Christopher Norton has arranged five popular Christmas carols, including Silent Night, Away in a Manger and We Three Kings, to represent a variety of styles including ragtime, jazz, rock and blues. they are challenging arrangements, particularly in terms of rhythm, and are suited to grades 4-6 level pianists.
carol jazz (arr. norton) is published by universal edition, ismn m00804023.
3. A Feast of Easy Carols
suitable for: grades 1-2
I have a bit of a soft spot for these books, having had them about 30 years ago when I had my first piano lessons. they are, if you will, a step up from beginner books that are mostly melody lines with accompaniment by the teacher. Across the two volumes, Carol Barratt has produced more than 50 arrangements of Christmas carols, including all the familiar favorites, some of which also have their alternate tunes. the arrangements in both books, all of which are hands together, would suit pianists around grades 1-2.
An Easy Christmas Carol Party (Arr. Barratt) and a Second Easy Christmas Carol Party (Arr. Barratt) are published by Chester Music, ISBN 0711924260 and 0711937869.
4. Christmas Cool Piano Duets
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suitable for: beginners
I couldn’t pass up my recommendations without including these excellent and fun arrangements by heather hammond. Heather has taken a mix of 12 secular and sacred Christmas pieces and arranged them in a variety of different styles. Of particular note is that we wish you a Merry Christmas like a jazz waltz, as shepherds watch in swinging rhythm and tinkling bells with a walking bass. the main parts are suitable for beginners, including those who have only had a few lessons.
Cool Christmas Piano Duets (arr. Hammond) is published by Kevin Mayhew, isbn 9781848674873.
5. Sleigh Ride
suitable for: grade 7+
couldn’t not include this fabulous arrangement of leroy anderson’s sleigh ride. arranger john eidsvoog effectively transposes the music into irregular 7/8 and 5/8 time signatures. this is sleigh ride like you’ve never heard of before!
sleigh ride (anderson, arr. eidsvoog) is published by alfred music, isbn 9780739099643.
6. Christmas Carol Time
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suitable for: beginners
As I said before, there are many books for beginners and, like the piano carols mentioned above, this book contains 12 simple arrangements of Christmas carols. arrangements here are easier and the size of the staff is large. they would be ideal for a beginner, even one who hasn’t been playing that long. there are optional duo parts that would suit a 1st grade level player.
Christmas Carol Hour (arr. waterman) is published by faber music, isbn 0571509568.
7. Silent Night
suitable for: grades 5-7
This was my favorite Christmas book of 2019 and I can’t wait to enjoy it one more time. Nigel Hess has created 14 beautiful and sensitive arrangements of Christmas carols for solo piano. if you’re looking for something different, but not necessarily jazz, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this. what I enjoy about these is that they make very effective use of the piano, especially the pedals. o come, o come, emmanuel and infant holy, infant lowly are particular favorites.
silent night (arr. hess) is published by faber music, isbn 0571535690.
8. Christmas Tunes for Three
suitable for: grade 1 and below
There are numerous books of Christmas carol duets, but how about some trios? Laura Shur has arranged six popular Christmas carols for six hands, a piano where all players have a chance to shine. they include carols far away in a manger, wise men and we wish you a merry christmas.
Christmas Tunes for Three (arr. Shur) is a novello publication, catalog no. 100282.
9. Jazz on a Winter’s Night
suitable for: grades 4-8
Anyone familiar with Nikki Iles’ Jazz In… series will be delighted with both volumes of Jazz on a Winter’s Night. iles arrangements are a mix of sacred and secular pieces in their own unique style, drawing inspiration from some of the great jazz musicians of the past. In Book 1, Have a Merry Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town are particularly effective; however, book 2 is my pick with several notable settings including adam lay bounden, past three o’clock and we are the three kings of the east.
jazz on a winter’s night and jazz on a winter’s night 2 (arr. iles) are publications of oxford university press, isbn 0781093365902 and 9780193517691.
10. The John Rutter Christmas Piano Album
suitable for: grades 5-6
New for 2020, John Rutter has transcribed eight of his most beloved Christmas carols for solo piano. That said, it’s possible that his favorites are conspicuous by his absence, in particular, the Carol of the Star and the Carol of the Shepherd’s Flute. The Christmas carol of the angel stands out especially and what sweet music that is transferred very well to the piano in these solo arrangements. lesser-known transcriptions include a child’s lullaby, the colors of Christmas, and the best time of year. I for one will enjoy playing these over the festive season.
john rutter’s piano christmas album is published by oxford university press, isbn 9780193547483.
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