Christmas Music for Strings

Here Comes Santa Claus

Susan — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:41:28 +0000

Yes, it’s the end of August, but Santa Claus is coming right down Santa Claus Lane! Violin, viola, or cello players will enjoy playing this fun tune in the key of D.

Here Comes Santa Claus

New for 2010

Susan — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:08:15 +0000

It may be hot outside, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about Christmas music. I’m working on new songs right now! Check back soon to see what’s new for 2010.

Frosty is a Teacher’s Friend

Susan — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:31:47 +0000

Often beginning students complain because their new song is “too long.” Not so with their favorite Christmas songs, like Frosty, the Snowman. If a student enjoys singing a song and knows it well, they can learn to play it very quickly. Frosty is quite long compared to other songs for beginners, but most of my students learn it within a couple of days and play it over and over. See different versions of Frosty in the Christmas Music for Strings MUSIC CATALOGUE.

Oldie But Goodie!

Susan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:39:59 +0000

Do your students know the song, Up On the Housetop? It was written in 1860 so it’s definitely an “oldie!” For those students who don’t know it, I teach them how to sing it first. We talk about the words and how they describe common toys and names from many years ago. They enjoy learning a bit of history and think the song is lots of fun to play. Check it out in the Christmas Music for Strings MUSIC CATALOGUE.

Pizzicato for Beginners

Susan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:42:38 +0000

What do you do if you have beginning string kids who haven’t learned to play many notes yet? Away in a Manger is a perfect option for your holiday performance. Beginning students pizzicato two open strings and first finger only. I suggest having them set their bows carefully in front of their feet so they can have their right hand free to pluck the string. I make a poster with the open string names and finger number one, and have a parent or older student point to each note as it is to be played. The kids love playing their pizzicato harmony part while other students play the melody or sing the words.

It’s a Favorite!

Susan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:14:26 +0000

My students love performing “It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas.” Many of them have sung it in school and like the words and melody. Non-players can sing or do actions to the words in a group performance. This is a great ender to a holiday concert. See two versions in the Christmas Music for Strings MUSIC CATALOGUE: violin solo in G or violin/viola/cello melody in C.

Concert Finale

Susan — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:14:46 +0000

Finish up a Christmas concert with We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Perform the version in the key of G (any size group of violins, violas, or cellos with piano accompaniment) and you can play, then sing, then play again. It’s a perfect ender to send Christmas wishes out to your audience.

Twelve Days

Susan — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:34:28 +0000

So many kids want to play “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” They have no idea that the music is very complicated. Take a look at the printed music and you will find an amazing “mess” of meter changes: 4/4, 3/4, and cut time, not to mention repeats here and there and everywhere! But kids love the repetition and trying to remember all of the gifts in order. So why not make arrangements they can play? Here they are:

• The Twelve Days of Christmas – violin solo

• The Twelve Days of Christmas – violin/viola/cello melody

Reindeer Tune

Susan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:58:38 +0000

For a fun performance of young string players, purchase headbands with reindeer horns (available at dollar and discount stores this time of year) for each child. Put them on and play Rudolph, the Rednosed Reindeer. Non-players can sing along or shake bells in rhythm.

Christmas headbands are available with all kinds of Christmas decorations on them. They are perfect for children to wear while performing because they don’t get in the way – and look great!

See other Christmas songs in the Christmas Music for Strings MUSIC CATALOGUE.

New Stuff!

Susan — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:03:59 +0000

There are several new arrangements in the music library this week. If you need a custom arrangement, CONTACT ME.

See the list of Christmas music HERE.

Browse the Christmas Music for Strings MUSIC LIBRARY.