My Little Drum is an original composition by pianist Vince Guaraldi, written in 1965 for the soundtrack of the CBS television special A Charlie Brown Christmas. The piece draws its title and thematic inspiration from the Christmas song The Little Drummer Boy, reimagining the concept of a child's drum through the lens of jazz piano trio performance. Set in G major at a medium Latin tempo, the composition features a syncopated, playful melody over a gentle rhythmic groove, with the piano's percussive touch evoking the patter of a small drum. The tune follows a 32-bar AABA form, and its concise melodic phrases and Latin-inflected rhythmic foundation give it a whimsical, lighthearted character that distinguishes it from the more contemplative pieces on the album. Guaraldi recorded the piece with his trio, featuring Fred Marshall on bass and Jerry Granelli on drums, during sessions at Fantasy Studios in San Francisco. Within the A Charlie Brown Christmas soundtrack, My Little Drum serves as one of the lesser-known original compositions alongside more prominent pieces like Linus and Lucy and Christmas Time Is Here. It has not entered the core jazz standards repertoire but maintains a niche following among holiday jazz enthusiasts. The composition has been arranged for various ensembles including brass quintet, choir, and solo piano, with a notable interpretation by the Canadian Brass featuring percussion.
