- Level: Mid to late elementary
- Pages: 6 pages, 4 pages of music, cover included
- Style: Reflective
- License: Studio license – reproducible for students you directly teach
- Bonus: 2 Versions (one with and one without dotted quarter notes) + mp3 recording without voiceovers
- Format: PDF instant download
What Child Is This elementary is a contemplative and dynamic solo that sounds more difficult than it really is. Thanks to both hands playing bass clef, there is a depth and fullness to the piece that reminds us of the weight behind the question, “What Child Is This?” Rich harmonies mask the simplicity of this piece, making it a wonderful addition to a Christmas recital or church program.
The Level of What Child is This?
This easy arrangement of What Child Is This? is a mid to late elementary level piano solo. It is written in a minor and ends in d minor. Accidentals are written in, as well as helpful courtesy accidentals. The piece is in ¾, and pedal markings are written in. Both hands play both treble and bass clef throughout the piece, and multiple registers are explored. Fingerings are written in throughout the piece.
There are two versions of What Child Is This elementary. One has the dotted quarter notes notated (so this would be late elementary), and another only uses quarter notes (so elementary). You will receive both versions with the studio license purchase so that you can decide what to show your student, and whether to have your student play with the dotted quarter note.
What is a Studio License?
What Child Is This elementary is available as a studio license which means that you only have to purchase it one time, and you are then licensed to print as many prints as you need for yourself or any student you directly teach! It’s like getting an unlimited supply of the piece since you never have to pay for it again. Plus there is no shipping since it is a digital product. You get the PDF and bonus mp3 in your email within minutes of your purchase.
Free Bonus Recording
What Child Is This elementary also comes with a free mp3 recording so that you can listen and learn the piece more easily. The studio license grants you permission to share this file with your students that are learning the piece.
Debbie Federer –
I’m using What Child is This? Jingle Bells and Deck the Hall and piano too…The students are loving these pieces from the soothing sounds of What Child is This to the glissandos of Jingle Bells and Deck the Hall. They see how easy the songs are and they are commenting on how “grown-up” it sounds.
Carol Benninghoff –
Several of my students are learning this. I like that right hand melody plays bass clef notes written on bass staff. Gives students another perspective of reading. Also I like the cross hand ending – can be easily taught by rote. Left hand dotted half notes are a bit challenging pages 3&4- all fifths – but student needs to look quickly to be accurate.
Swan Kiezebrink –
I love how Wendy supplied both the “straight” version and the “dotted” version for this piece, and it is easy to count and play for the kids who love this peice. When they play it with the music but “by ear”, then the dotted version can be previewed and shown- I love that she did this with the student and teacher in mind. Wonderful idea.
Robin Steinweg –
A retired Shakespearean literature professor had his first lesson in sixteen years this week with me. He wanted this song, but specified not wanting it to “sound elementary, nor have it too difficult to play.” When I played it for him, within three lines he said, “That’s the one for me.” It IS a beautiful piece, and has a mature sound, while remaining well within reach. Beautiful!
Keera –
I played several options for my 10 year old student to choose from. I thought she would go for a ‘fun’ christmas song, but she instantly fell in love with this one and memorized the first page before the end of the lesson. She is not always easy to motivate so I’m thankful when I find something she is excited to practice!