Staff Picks: December 2021
Our Sheet Music Direct team plays, strums and sings just as much as you do! We're a team of musicians who love music of various styles and, when we're not busy with all things Sheet Music Direct, play at home, church, and gigs. Each month, we're sharing some of the favorite songs we're currently playing and why we think you'll love them too. For December, our team has picked out some of their favorite festive and seasonal titles for the holidays. Check out our picks below or head over to our Staff Picks page which we update regularly with the latest picks.
Find something you love? Let us know in the comments, or share it with the rest of the Sheet Music Direct community over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Chris' Pick
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (from The Nutcracker), Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky
This Tchaikovsky classic from the ballet The Nutcracker has always been one of my Christmas-time favorites. The whimsical and suspense-filled melody and chords emit emotion from beginning to end! Check out arrangements for every instrument, including popular cover versions from Lindsey Stirling, the Pentatonix and more.
Sam's Pick
Winter Waltz, Stephan Moccio
Stephan Moccio is fast-becoming one of my favorite composers in the contemporary classical world. He has a knack for creating melodic and emotive pieces which are also a joy to play on piano. His latest single "Winter Waltz" is another gem for the colder months.
Bill's Pick
Merry Christmas, Darling, Carpenters
Year-in-year out, this sultry tune by the Carpenters is a firm favorite of mine. It's a beautifully-crafted ballad by the sibling duo – the only challenge is to be able to compete with Karen's legendary voice!
Becca's Pick
Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24
This is probably my all-time favorite song to play on the piano during the holidays, and is probably one of the most well-known songs from Trans-Siberian Orchestra – once this song comes on shuffle, I'll always drop what I'm doing and run over to the piano and play along to the recording. This piano solo arrangement has some fun "cross left-hand over right-hand" sections that always look impressive, as well as some crazy quick-moving doubled octaves in both hands.
Laura's Pick
Last Christmas, Vitamin String Quartet
Vitamin String Quartet can always take an already beloved pop song and turn it into a piece that sounds like you're going to a royal ball. Their version of Wham's "Last Christmas" is no exception! It's perfect for string musicians getting ready to play for a holiday gig.
Annie's Pick
Elf (Main Title), John Cardon Debney
Grab a plate of spaghetti, pour on some maple syrup, and play the main title theme from Elf on piano! If you love this movie as much as I do, playing this arrangement will be sure to bring a smile to your face!
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