Well it’s definitely that time already in the music teaching biz!
If you are like me, you know it is way too early for Christmas music, at least for listening. However, with student performances and CD recording projects coming up SOON it has been my experience that the day after Halloween needs to be the official start of practicing holiday music.
Gotta love the Frank Sinatra Christmas Songbook…has NOTHING to do with him other than the picture on the cover.
For those looking for music I strongly recommend the FJH series of Methods and Xmas books. I’ve been using them for 7 plus years now. Their books are a bit more contemporary than the ol’ standards. My students laugh cause I know what page every song is on….they test me but they never trick me.
Tips on practicing for the holidays…
-Don’t bite off more than you can chew! Pick one or two songs with arrangements at your skill level. Learn those and then dive into another. If you start too many at one time you might burn out and lose your steam.
-Practice at least one song you play the notes or tab and a couple with just chords. People love to sing their favorites this time of the year and you can strum away and accompany them.
-Have fun!! Making music with others is a blast. Be confident, but, don’t take it too seriously!
BONUS TIP: Unless you are really comfortable sight-reading make copies of the songs you intend to play and leave the book at home! If you have the book people WILL start to browse and make requests which can be an uncomfortable situation for beginners.
Good luck with the guitar this holiday season!
Related posts:
Guitar for your holiday events
Mike Slayen ~ Guitarist 
Great tips! I’ve been looking for a good Xmas Sheet Music book for a while! Ever hear the Merry Axemas CDs?
Love the Mery Axemas CDs! Wish they would do another one. The FJH books are great. They have easy arrangements for learning and if you want to do your own fancy arrangement, since they are easier, make it easy to infuse your own style.
Cool, I love them too. Especially the 2nd one! I’ll keep an eye out for the FJH books.
I agree the 2nd CD has a better vibe and production too.