As the festive season approaches, one of my favourite traditions as a piano teacher on The Wirral is introducing carols and Christmas music to my students. It’s a joyful way to bring the holiday spirit into our lessons and give them something magical to share with their friends and families. I like to introduce Christmas music books in early October, giving my students about 11 to 12 weeks to practice and refine their pieces. This timeline ensures that by December, they’re confident and ready to perform, whether at home, at school, or even during small gatherings. Starting early also allows us to work on more complex pieces for students who are up for a challenge.
Balancing Festive Fun with Regular Learning
While the focus shifts to Christmas music during these months, we don’t abandon our regular books and exercises. Instead, I blend the two, alternating between festive tunes and their standard repertoire. This approach keeps lessons varied, ensuring students continue developing their technical and musical skills while enjoying the seasonal repertoire.
Recently, I’ve added another layer of fun to our festive lessons: Christmas duets! This has quickly become a favourite activity among my students. In these duets, the student takes on the “primo” role, playing the melody, while I accompany them as the “secondo.” The joy on their faces when they hear how the two parts harmonize is priceless. It’s a fantastic way to teach them about musical collaboration and the importance of listening to another part while playing their own. Many students have even asked to record these duets so they can share the music with their loved ones—a testament to how much they enjoy the experience.
Learning Beyond the Notes
Christmas music is not just about playing familiar tunes; it’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce students to new techniques and styles. From soft, expressive dynamics in “Silent Night” to playful rhythms in “Jingle Bells,” these pieces are rich with teaching moments. For younger students, it’s a chance to develop confidence by performing pieces they already know and love. For more advanced students, we explore creative arrangements or add personal flair to their playing.
Creating Memories Through Music
The festive season is about togetherness, and music is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. By teaching carols and Christmas music, I hope to give my students more than just piano skills—I want them to create memories they can cherish for years to come. Many students tell me how much they enjoy playing Christmas pieces for their family gatherings or sharing their recordings with friends. Hearing their stories makes it all the more rewarding for me as their teacher.
For my students and me, carols are not just for Christmas—they’re for the entire festive season! By starting early, balancing lessons, and introducing fun activities like duets, we create a joyful, music-filled journey that carries us through to the New Year. Teaching piano during the holidays is truly special. With every note, we’re not just learning music; we’re celebrating the season together.