December Piano Teaching Resources Roundup
Easy, Flexible Ideas for Busy Piano Teachers
If you are a piano teacher looking for fresh December lesson ideas, simple group activities, or low prep music resources, this list gathers everything I mentioned in this week’s Scrappy Snippet podcast episode. These are the resources I love returning to each year because they work for many ages, support real musicianship skills, and reduce lesson planning during the busiest month of the piano teaching year.
Below you will find ear training ideas, Christmas lead sheet collections, Nutcracker rhythm activities, December studio games, composer study materials, and one of the most popular December performance alternatives teachers are using right now.
All links below go directly to the creators.
Christmas Ear Training and Audiation Resources
Christmas by Ear, by Amy Chaplin (Piano Pantry)
A flexible, studio-license Christmas ear training resource that helps students of all ages harmonize fifteen familiar carols by ear. Supports audiation, singing, chord skills, and improvisation. Perfect for group lessons, buddy lessons, or private lessons during the December rush.
Christmas Lead Sheets for Older Students
Ten Favorite Christmas Arrangements (Lead Sheet Method), by Susan Staples Bell
A studio-license set of Christmas lead sheets that teaches chord symbols, left-hand patterns, and creative arranging. Ideal for early-intermediate to advanced teens and adults who want to play holiday music quickly while learning real musicianship skills.
Rhythm Activities for December Lessons
Nutcracker Rhythm Cup Explorations, by Wendy Stevens (ComposeCreate)
A high-energy Nutcracker-themed rhythm routine with backing tracks. Works for a wide range of ages and is perfect for December group classes, piano parties, or multi-week lesson arcs. Includes a studio license.
Composer Study Ideas for Tchaikovsky and Winter Themes
Composer Chronicles, by Dynamic Doodle Co
A flexible composer study resource with coloring pages, quizzes, writing prompts, matching activities, and posters. A simple way to create a December Nutcracker unit that combines music history with practical rhythm work.
Quick and Easy December Piano Games
Busy Little Turtle Christmas Games
Studio-license holiday games with quick setup. Great for fillers, transitions, or a full seasonal game day. Student favorites include Sack of Presents.
Music Education Resources
A broad collection of printable and digital piano games that fit all ages.
December Piano Party Ideas
December Piano Party Pack (Scrappy Piano Teacher)
A five dollar studio-license bundle that includes an icebreaker, printable games, a craft option, listening sheets, rhythm activities, improv prompts, and composition starters. Perfect for piano parties, group classes, or holiday-week lessons.
Alternative to a December Recital
December Performance Challenge, by Christina Whitlock (Beyond Measure Podcast)
A popular December recital alternative where students collect signatures from anyone they play for throughout the month. The student with the most signatures wins a prize. Light, motivating, and beloved by teachers who want a festive but low stress way to celebrate student progress.
If you have a December resource you love and would like me to include, feel free to email me at jaclyn@scrappypianoteacher.com. I always enjoy adding ideas from fellow teachers and expanding this list.
More to add to the list!
Repertoire and Holiday Solos
● Susan Staples Bell Piano Solos and Ensembles
● Elizabeth Swift Intermediate Holiday Solos and Ensembles
● Wendy Stevens at ComposeCreate
● Kay Lowry Beginner Christmas Pieces
● WunderKeys Holiday Resources
Group Lesson and Party Planning
● Simple Group Piano Party Plan
Recital and Studio Reflection Resources
● Dynamic Doodle Co Compliment Cards
● Studio Reflections Toolkit (Scrappy Piano Teacher)
Holiday Games and Activities
● Holiday No Printout Playbook (Not Your Mother’s Piano Studio)
● Color In My Piano Holiday Printables
● NoteRush Holiday Mode
● Andrea West Steps and Skips Winter Game
● Busy Little Turtle Christmas Games
● Music Educator Resources Printable Game Library
● Dynamic Doodle Co December Games
Technology and Digital Learning Extras
● Piano Maestro Holiday Songs
● Boom Learning Holiday Music Task Cards
