Now this is something I like! The Progressive Pianist: Christmas Favorites presents a variety of familiar, traditional (not secular) Christmas carols on three levels, so that the learning pianist has about half a dozen songs to choose from, whether a beginner, just learning to put two hands together, or an intermediate, playing “two hands together,” or more advanced, with a little more complexity and challenge.

The songs are grouped by the three levels in The Progressive Pianist instruction books. (Please see related reviews for Level One and Level Two.) You could, however, use Christmas Favorites with any piano instruction program.

Beginning songs have music with very large print; the tune alternates between left hand and right hand, just as you'll see in any “Book 1” of any piano method. Lyrics for the first verse are included in the music, with additional stanzas appearing at the end of the tune.

Level Two (intermediate) songs are printed in a slightly smaller font, but still generously large, to make the reading easier. These songs are in fairly simple two-hands-together format, sustained or broken chords set against a straightforward melody line. Lyrics are included for just one of the intermediate songs; the rest are performance pieces.

The more advanced Level Three songs appear in smaller print and are written for the more confident player: more leger lines, a little more complex arrangements, reminding me a little of the sonatinas I played as a young piano student.

A few of the carols appear in more than one section (“As with Gladness,” “Away in a Manger,” “O Come All Ye Faithful”). Each section presents six or seven choices to learn, to perform, even to gather around the piano and sing along with.

The Progressive Pianist also offers a book of hymns, which I haven't seen, but I imagine the format and style is much the same. The hymns would be appropriate year-round, but when Christmas is approaching once more, pull out The Progressive Pianist: Christmas Favorites. It's just right for the season of celebration of the coming King.