Christmas Gems
is a collection of Christmas carols arranged by Nancy Lau. It includes 12 traditional carols: Jingle Bells, The First Noel, Deck the Halls, O Christmas Tree, Away in a Manger, Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy to the World, Silent Night, Up On the Housetop, Ukrainian Carol, Go, Tell It On the Mountain, and Auld Lang Syne.
The book is labeled “Late Elementary/Early Intermediate.” Even though the arrangements are fairly simple, the use of rich harmonies gives the pieces a sophisticated sound. All of the pieces include optional pedal. This book would be great to use with older beginners or adults. Sometimes I use easier Christmas books with students so that they will have a lot of Christmas carols to play for their friends and families. This book would be perfect for that. The engraving in the book is extremely clear and easy to read.
Here’s a video I recorded of The First Noel:
Lauren teaches piano to students of all ages in New Orleans, LA. Teaching is her passion. She enjoys creating resources for her students and is the author of Ready for Theory®.
