If you and your piano students loved our giveaway holiday piece “Three Ships”, then you’ll definitely want to download the Christmas music we’re sharing today! Be sure to listen to the full preview below…
I have a very old Christmas carol book that used to be my Grandma’s. It’s probably 80 years old. She played from it, I played from it, and now I teach from it. Just the sight of that book floods me with holiday memories of my childhood, my teenage years, my first-married years, my “young first-time-teacher” years… all of it.
So when I hauled out that same old book to let one of my piano students choose a piece from it last week it was with welcome nostalgia.
My Grandma has been gone now for over 3 years but that book still reminds me of her; her spidery cursive writing is right there on the cover. There’s a small chew mark in the corner from where my daughter “tasted” We Three Kings as a baby. Memories.
But my piano student couldn’t choose just one carol. I like them all! You pick for me!
So I chose Away in a Manger.
We had a little discussion about how confusing this tune can be, given that there are two well-known versions of it… We goofed about creating a “mash-up” of the two and she added “Oh! And it would be cool to add a whole bunch more carols in there… then I wouldn’t have to choose just one!”
In The Bright Sky… Christmas Music For Teens
Later that night, with her comment in mind, I composed In The Bright Sky… a lyrical pop piano solo where the two “Away in a Mangers” combine… and where other favorite carols make mini-appearances too!
You can listen to In The Bright Sky below before downloading your own copy. And, just for fun, see if you can name all 7 carols that make an appearance!
In The Bright Sky is available for free in the files of our Teen Piano Music Facebook group. You can access this sheet music (and lots of other free pieces and resources including the uber-popular piece “Wolf”) by joining the group. We hope In The Bright Sky stirs the same feelings of holiday happiness for you and your students as my Grandma’s old carol book does for me!
Check out this recording of “In The Bright Sky” by Michelle Miller
Elaine says
I am new to TPT, and am steadily working my way through 104 pages of past blog entries with my morning coffee every day. You are totally inspiring me to become the best teacher I can be, and I am so full of ideas and plans. Thank you so much, all the way from England, and for the freebies and piano game club too. Merry Christmas!
Trevor says
Welcome Elaine! Happy you found us and thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
Kelly Koch says
Elaine, this group at TPT will change your life! I’m not exaggerating. After I read Piano Hands Shouldn’t Flip Burgers, my studio started to explode in growth AND I was so much more relaxed as a teacher. Hope you enjoy.
Beth says
My group class students are enjoying your game club games. My teens are thoroughly enjoying Three Ships and I’ll be sending them “In the Bright Sky” this morning. It will be a nice surprise to find it in their inbox!
Trevor says
Hi Beth! So glad to hear that they’ve been enjoying Three Ships 🙂 Hope this piece is fun for them too!
Emily says
Thank you so much for sharing, Andrea! I love incorporating all your fresh materials into my lessons!
Andrea says
Thank you Emily – so happy to hear it!
Lauren Averill says
How can I express the countless differences you have made in my life, let alone all my students’ lives. As Elaine mentioned above, I settle in with my morning coffee, open my inbox, and if I’m lucky, there you are, sharing advice, books, games, humor and comraderie. Thank you, once again.
Andrea says
You are so sweet Lauren! Thank you for your kindness 🙂
Iris Pederson says
My Christmas recital is tomorrow–Saturday, December 5th. Five of your “Vamp Battle” duets are going to be shared. They have been a HUGE hit in my studio and I can’t wait to see the reactions from the audience! Thanks so much!!
Andrea says
Hi Iris – this is fantastic! It would make my day to see a video of the performances of Vamp Battles if you have the chance! 🙂 Best of luck at your recital tomorrow!
Christina says
I haven’t been teaching very long; most of my students are still “primer-level” so a lot of the music I’ve collected from you is still beyond them. That being said, whenever I do bring out one of your pieces (or PBC books!) they know that even though they might have to work at it, they are going to love it. There have been very few times when this hasn’t been the case.
I always look forward to hearing about the new and interesting ideas you have to make lessons not only practical but fun as well! Thank you yet again for everything that you do, and I hope you keep doing it for a very long time! 🙂
Trevor says
Hi Christina – this is lovely to hear, thank you!
Angela says
So many of your blogposts/resources have been so great and has inspired me to do so much more with my lesson times. A few favourites in particular are – summer piano challenge, the post about including siblings (and friends) in the last and first 5 minutes of the lessons to extend lesson time, simple game suggestions, and any post that shares on how to get your students practicing more!
Thank you so much!!
Andrea says
Wonderful Angela – thank you!
September says
I loved the last piece you gave away but I think this one just might top it. When I gave one of my older students the Three ships piece she literally beamed with excitement and is still loving it. I’m excited to show this to her! Thanks so much for what you do! You’re making happy students and teachers everywhere!
Andrea says
Hi September! Love to hear this! I was joking with another reader that the “pressure was on” to post a follow-up to Three Ships that teens would like just as much – happy to hear that this piece may be well-loved by your student as well 🙂
Irma Khouw says
I discovered ‘Teach Piano Today’ a few months ago, and in a short time I’ve gained so many insights and resources. It’s hard to pick one favorite, but Monster Mash Up and Halloween improv were a big hit last month. This month my students and I will be doing the Holiday practice incentives set, they are very motivating, and I really like the mini recital printable. Our holiday recital is tomorrow, but each my student will receive the mini recital printable next week so they can perform for their families at Christmas or their family/friends gathering. Thank you for all your wonderful resources, music, blog. They are my studio saver.
Trevor says
Thank you Irma! Best of luck at your recital tomorrow 🙂
Evangelina says
It’s such a pleasure to see how inspiring holidays can be. Thanks for your generosity!!! Cheers from Argentina!
Julie says
Thanks for all you do to inspire teachers to be their best. I feel like I have learned so much and gained more confidence with the teaching tools and advice you offer. You are people that truly make the world a better place! I love my piano games and so do my students! They are always so excited to see the new ones each month, and so am I!! Thank you so much and Merry Christmas!
Trevor says
Hi Julie! So happy to hear PianoGameClub has been a welcome addition to your studio and that you look forward to seeing them each month! 🙂 Merry Christmas to you as well!
Chi says
My students and I absolutely love Three Ships! I have several teens who are having the best time playing it.
I also love the Santa composing activity. It was an easy & fast way to get my students’ creative juices flowing. I even used it with my adult group class (took away the graphics so it was more suitable for them), and it was the perfect no-stress activity for them!
Thanks for all the great music & other resources!
Erika says
What an absolutely gorgeous piece. Another fantastic addition to the collection of games, books, strategies and inspirations. Thank you!
Linda says
What got me started with your resources was “Piano Hands Shouldn’t Flip Burgers.” That changed my way of teaching entirely and then I found a whole new world of resources–music, games, and ideas that continue to help me improve my teaching. I love you guys!
Andrea says
So happy to hear Piano Hands Shouldn’t Flip Burgers was inspiring for you Linda!
Diane U says
I’m going to enjoy playing this myself! What a great piece for a prelude at church!
Trevor says
Hi Diane! Wonderful 🙂 We hope it gets lots of use by you and your students!
Lisa says
We’ve had fun with the Jungle Bells duet the past couple years.
María Laura says
Wow! Is it possible to have a copy of that? I’m looking for Christmas Piano Duet, thanks!
Rick says
What a lovely piece. I’ll be showing it to students this afternoon.
Karen Pate says
Thank you for all the wonderful teaching ideas. I especially love the song, “In the Bright Sky.” I am
excited to share this beautiful rendition of all the
Christmas songs with my students. You have made
me a better piano teacher with all the teaching ideas
you have given me from your blog. Thank you again.
Andrea says
Thank you Karen! We so appreciate your kind words 🙂
Elaine says
Absolutely beautiful! Love listening to it this morning!
Andrea says
Thanks Mom 😉
Susanne Gravel says
Well I did say that Three Ships would be a hard act to follow, and follow you did with a piece that will be a standard in this studio each year. We love the more advanced music, but also the Rollicking Reindeer Rhythms has proved to be quite the motivator for the littlies. There is something about “getting to do” the next one which they already know the name of…so hilarious!
Andrea says
Phew! Glad you like it Susanne 🙂 The various reindeer were a big motivator with my piano kids too! There’s something about “finishing a set” isn’t there?!
Christina Toole says
This is a beautiful arrangement and I look forward to giving it to some of my teens, as well as playing it myself at a holiday party! 🙂 Thank you for continually providing such awesome resources!
Andrea says
Thank you Christina 🙂
Cassie says
Thanks for all your awesome resources! My 14-year old student has LOVED “Three Ships” and by the way, so did I! It is fun to play for student and teacher alike! I’m excited to print this one out to see how she will like it!
Milla says
I used multiple ideas of yours, and some of your music. I’m also have my 3rd Wunderkeys student. Thank you for everything you do for piano teachers. No formal education can substitute for the spirit of enthusiasm and creativity you blogs exude.
Kathleen Gault says
I second every positive comment above. I love this arrangement, will print out copies for my more advanced students, but will keep one in my personal Christmas music folder for my own playing enjoyment. Thank you again, many times over, for all the games, music, ideas and inspiration you and Trevor share with us. Big warm, wintery hugs from Oregon to B.C.!
Andrea says
Thanks so much Kathleen! Happy to hear you’ll be using the piece yourself too 🙂
anna says
I just enjoy getting to share Christmas music with the students. It’s crazy how many are not familiar with any Christmas carol melodies let alone the lyrics. Even Rudolph or Frosty. Thank you for your blogs and for sharing your music.
Andrea says
Hi Anna – it’s very true! I always try to expose my students to the “old” ones too (as they call them!) as that music is too beautiful to leave behind 🙂
Marie says
YES!!! Always love your arrangements, Andrea!
Leah Drake says
What a fun mash-up! Thanks for sharing this exciting new piece, Andrea. You continue to inspire us with your flair for composing and your dedication to teaching.
My favorite TPT holiday piece was “Monster Mash-up”. I had several students that LOVED the freedom to mix and match the “monster bits” measures to create their own version of the piece. Even now, in December, I have a student that insists upon playing her mash-up every time she comes for her lesson. It will surely make an appearance at our Fall Holiday recital coming up, too. Thanks for sharing your brilliant ideas!
Andrea says
Awesome Leah! The Monster Mash-up was such a hit that we’re working on a future PianoBookClub book full of those kind of pieces! 🙂
Marilyn Cunningham says
Always inspiring and motivating and refreshing! Thank you!
Rachel Zarr says
Fantastic!!! Thank you for sharing this great piece! Super excited to give it to my older students next week. 🙂
Jennifer Montag says
This looks great! Forwarded the PDF to my student and can’t wait to play through it when I get home! Yet another fun and musically satisfying piece from the Dows. I don’t know how you keep doing it over and over again!
Cheryl Amelang says
What is my favorite?? Wow, that’s a difficult question… kind of like saying who is my favorite student?? I like so many of your compositions that I don’t know where to start. My students love “I Saw Three Ships” because it has a current style, even though it is a classic. The arrangement sounds more difficult than it is to read and is a fun song to play! I am using “Intervalactic” with a few of my students and it is exactly what they needed to spice things up and give them the reading experience to help with recognizing intervals. You make exercises fun. I could go on and on. Your creativity is fresh and your compositions are all very welcome and enjoyed by students and teachers in our music school! Thank you for all you do!
Rebekah says
Loving your blog and all your ideas and compositions. My studio thanks you!
Rebekah
Erin says
I homeschool and these ideas are great for piano and music, and teaching in general! I am a better teacher because of this information. Thank you!!
Elizabeth says
My most-used favourite has got to be “Muttzart and Ratmaninoff”. It has become almost a rite of passage in my studio – as younger siblings come along they anxiously await the day that they are ready for their own copy of that “composing book” that their older brother or sister used…
Bonnie Monk Kraxberger says
The “Save Santa” Composing activity has been the most well-used of all the printables from you so far! It’s been a huge hit and the completed compositions have started decorating my studio. Thank you! Keep ’em coming 🙂
Yvonne says
I love your Trash to Treasure composing activity. All my students love it and it really gets them past their fear of composing.
Nicole says
This year “I Saw Three Ships” has been an outstanding favourite; but it’s hard to choose. All your materials are fantastic!
Sarah says
i just joined the piano book club and picked up my copy of the Intervalactic book this morning! Also I have a student who loves Devlin’s Theme and is playing it in our recital next Sunday. So glad I found this fantastic resource.
Andrea says
Glad you found us too Sarah! Happy to hear Devlin’s Theme is well-loved 🙂
Jan says
Another great arrangement. Thank you so much! I have three boys who started their first lessons in May, ages 8, 9.5, and 10 and they are playing Three Ships and doing a great job with it. So far I’ve given them just the first page because I want to expose them to as much Christmas music as possible. One of the great things about these arrangements is it is easy to do just part of it, depending on the student’s skill. Love this arrangement. Thank you!
Venita says
Thank you! I’m new to music downloads and enjoying the technology and the generosity of sharing.
Loni Spendlove says
Did you know we are best friends? I LOVE you two like family and tell my piano teaching friends about you all the time. It’s not creepy at all, but let’s just say you are safe from me in Canada…
Andrea says
Hi Loni – this is hilarious! I think we just might be best friends as we have a very similar sense of humor 😉
Linda says
I LOVE being in the piano book club! My students love the music. The silver screen playbook and nuts about note reading were special favorites. It is great to have music surprises to give my students. I have utilized many of your ideas. Thank you for inspiring me and my students!!
Stacey says
My Favourite TPT Holiday resource has been the Save Santa Composing activity. And the Three Ships piece.. And now this brand New Bright Sky piece.
But with soooo many to choose from, who can pick just one?!
Caroline Quinn says
Love it….love it….love it!!!!!! Thanks so much. Keep shining brightly!!!
Andrea says
Thank you Caroline!
Karen says
I am sending home the elves this next week! Hopefully it will be helpful for the practice during these busy days. Also…I have to play “background” music tomorrow at a party…and I think this will be in the line up! Thanks.
Andrea says
Hi Karen – lovely! Happy to hear you can use it right away… and yes, hoping those practice elves go to work over the holidays for your kiddos 🙂
Sharon says
I just signed up this year for your games which have been wonderful. Enjoy your blog also. Most of my students are young but I am looking forward to sharing In The Bright Sky with my 2 teenagers. I also plan on playing for friends and family this Christmas.
Judy says
I have used your 5 Piano Lesson Closers quite a bit. My students and I particularly like “Simon Says!” This lets us use every valuable moment of the lesson!
Andrea says
Hi Judy – isn’t it the perfect little “wrap up” activity?! I use it all the time too 🙂
Pam says
It is beautiful! I download almost every printable to make lessons more interesting and fun for my students and me. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Eunice Donges says
I think Bright Sky is something that I can even use to play at church.
Andrea says
Wonderful to hear Eunice!
Helen says
Thank you! This is going to be my prelude in church this Sunday! Perfect! Then I’ll give it to a couple of students to enjoy after our recital, over the Christmas break – they get 2 weeks off from lessons this year.