Assigning Christmas pieces

[keyofc]

Does anyone who loves Christmas feel it's hard to assign Christmas pieces in this diverse culture?
If so, as a teacher, how do you handle it?

[elisianna]

I don't celebrate Christmas, so I never even mention it.  But now most of my students are playing Christmas music... but only because the parents or they had an interest in it and asked it I would teach them those.

So maybe wait until someone says something... I dunno if it's that easy for everyone. (We had Christmas books on display at the studio I work at...)

[Bob]

Just ask. 

Something challenging could start after Halloween.

Or if they have an easier book, they can play through many pieces.


Christmas/holiday music could be a good way to keep them active if they're on break from lessons for the holidays.

[jpianoflorida]

I only have one family that is muslim and doesn't celebrate christmas...but they bring me  christmas gifts every year!    all my students like to work on christmas songs, except i dont' even ask that one family because I know they dont' celebrate it.    I'm sure you know your students enough to make a decision or just ask what they want to do.

[penguinlover]

I love Christmas, and Christmas music!  However, I was very disappointed with my students this year.  I have them pick their own music, and tell them to entertain me during their lessons.  This year, they would either forget their music, not work on it, etc.  You get the picture.  We started pretty early on it too.  I am not sure I will do that next year.  I think any extra music will be just that, extra.  I feel that we wasted time this year on it. 

[pianowelsh]

No - Ijm an insensitive Christian - I hand them out to everyone and they LOVE them in fact most said they would be disappointed not to have had them! So much for being politically correct - the worlds gone MAD!

[brahms4me]

As crazy as this may sound, I begin Christmas music in July and August.  Why, you may ask.  Because it's so hot and smoggy here in the L.A. basin that the Christmas music helps take the edge off the hot and humid summer heat.  Besides, by the time Thanksgiving rolls around (when the entire family and assorted relatives gather) they're ready to play the music and enjoy it. 

I have never had any problem assigning Christmas music.  However, I do have 2 students whose family doesn't celebrate any holidays or birthdays.  I always invite them, through the parents, and I always say that I understand their beliefs and honor that and that I don't want them to think that I'm excluding them from anything.  So far so good.  I have a good relationship with the family and we can be honest with each other. 

There are so many beautiful arrangements, unlike while I was growing up.

[jazzerman]

Christmas music is great!  Why?  Because so many people know it and love it.  It makes for great improvisation and personally I start playing it early November.  If your students celebrate Christmas it's so good for them to learn something they know.

https://www.paultobey.com/christmas-sheet-music.html