New December Store Update: Celebrating Seasonal Sounds
Happy December! As the year winds down, December’s update in the Practice Space store features a lineup of composers whose music captures the spirit of winter and the holidays. From iconic ballet suites to jazz-infused carols and timeless vocal performances, these artists have contributed some of the most recognizable sounds of the season.
Students can unlock each avatar by earning Practice Gems, which they collect by meeting their daily practice goals. This rewards consistent effort while giving students a chance to explore the lives and legacies of important musical figures.
To complement the avatars, we’ve created a PDF packet with composer bios, fun facts, and interactive activities designed to deepen musical understanding. Each composer also includes a YouTube listening link so students can hear the music directly and connect their practice with real-world inspiration. Plus, we’ve created a small packet of winter-themed music theory exercises for you to use with your students - Download the exercises here!
Explore this month’s avatars and give your students an opportunity to learn about the composers behind some of the most beloved music of the season, while staying motivated to practice during a busy time of year.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky -Born in 1840 in Russia, Tchaikovsky is one of the most beloved Romantic composers. His music is filled with beauty and drama, and he brought ballet to life with unforgettable melodies.
Facts in app:
I wrote The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty.
My Nutcracker Suite has snowflakes, toy soldiers, and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
My music helped bring ballet to life.
I became one of the first Russian composers known worldwide.
Check out this performance of Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy:
Simon Rattle & Berliner Philharmoniker – Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker)
Vince Guaraldi - Born in 1928 in San Francisco, Vince Guaraldi was a jazz pianist and composer known for creating the charming soundtracks to the Peanuts animated specials.
Facts in app:
I created the music for A Charlie Brown Christmas.
My jazz style is warm, cozy, and full of holiday cheer.
I won a Grammy for Cast Your Fate to the Wind.
I won a Grammy for Cast Your Fate to the Wind.
Watch this performance of Christmas Time is Here:
Christmas Time is Here | Lee Mendelson & Vince Guaraldi (arr. Curt Wilson)
Johann Sebastian Bach - Born in 1685 in Germany, Bach was a master of Baroque music whose sacred and secular compositions are still performed and studied today.
Facts in app:
My Christmas Oratorio tells the story of Jesus’s birth.
I wrote many pieces for Advent and Christmas services.
I wrote many pieces for Advent and Christmas services.
Students still study my fugues, cantatas, and concertos today.
Check out this performance of Christmas Oratorio:
Johann Sebastian Bach: Christmas Oratorio BWV 248 Part 1
Kathleen Battle - Born in 1948 in Ohio, Kathleen Battle is a world-renowned soprano known for her clear tone and expressive performances in both opera and spirituals.
Facts in app:
I performed in A Carnegie Hall Christmas Concert.
I blend opera and spirituals in my holiday shows.
I’ve won five Grammy Awards.
People say my voice sounds like a bell.
Check out Battle singing Silent Night:
Silent Night - Kathleen Battle, Wynton Marsalis
Joshua Bell - Born in 1967 in Indiana, Joshua Bell is a celebrated violinist known for both classical virtuosity and holiday performances.
Facts in app:
I’ve played O Holy Night and Silent Night around the world.
My violin is a 1713 Stradivarius.
I once performed in a metro station as a social experiment.
My album Musical Gifts features holiday duets.
Watch Bell perform Musical Gifts:
Musical Gifts from Joshua Bell & friends - The Secret of Christmas - with Michael Feinstein
Background Update
Some other fun additions
These all cheer the student on but also talk about tempo and other musical terms!
