Ahh, Christmas Music!

Just about everybody, of any background, has stories about the holidays and Christmas music. Not just stories, but very personal and touching stories; most of which are told with warm smiles on their faces. So just how important is this short and very touching season? Very important, I'd say. Mostly, I remember the album covers, the old stereos, and the sounds of different orchestras and voices coming into our living room, as if by magic, every year.

So what is the best way to play Christmas music on the piano, and how do you do it? As in all music, melody projection is of primary importance. So, whichever accompaniment you are using, the melody must have a little more volume. I know this seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many experienced pianists get lost in the moment and forget this crucial point.

Another extremely important point is tempo. It's no fun to be at a party where the pianist is playing too fast, especially while people are trying to sing along. When this happens you know immediately that the pianist is used to playing solo piano, probably to him/herself most of the time.

Listen To Christmas Music has some short examples being played full, yet at a reasonable tempo. They are easy to listen to, and you can sing along without losing your breath. There are a number of things going on simultaneously in each example. I would not expect to catch every little thing right away. So, relax while you listen. When you're done come back to this page and read the last bit below.

I have found that since the holiday season is brief; even with some commercial organizations, in my opinion, overdoing it by playing so much festive music from November 1'st into boxing week; a pianist needs to plan practice sessions several times per year. Oh, I've made the mistake of just practicing a few weeks prior to the holidays and been caught short once or twice. Since then, I do at least three separate, two week periods of practice every year of music mostly for the Holiday season. One session in April; YES just a few months after the big season; one in July; and one in mid November. If I get any bookings for earlier than December 3'rd, the mid November practice moves up to November 1'st.

You see, the key here is to avoid giving yourself mission impossible. All too often I hear someone say, "After all, I play most of these tunes every Christmas. I can review them easily." Just as often I hear tales of stressful situations and embarrassing moments, mostly self imposed. We think we can pull something off without much preparation, especially the experienced pianists. Learn to integrate your practice into your life, and it will become natural. Natural to sit down and practice. Natural to play with ease.

Christmas Music

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