Many people are longing for possessing at least an artistic talent to show off with their friends in some needed situation.
But actually, learning is a long and time – consuming process, hence if you truly want to learn any skill or art subject, left those negative thoughts behind and start with an open and positive mind.
If you tend to start to learn piano and are searching for piano books for beginners, so congratulation, this article is written for you. Keep reading and find the most suitable book for your level.
Top 8 Piano Books for Beginners
1. Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique
This must – read book was written by Damon Ferrante, who is multi – talented with over 25 years in teaching guitar, piano, music theory and composition.
It is also rated as 4.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads which makes it outstanding among other piano books for beginners.
To be honest, learning music, especially piano, is something that I’ve struggled with for a long time. I used to take part in some basic piano classes but they don’t work.
Then, when my friend recommended this book to me, I immediately jumped right on it.
What makes this book highly suitable for learners who don’t have any prior knowledge on playing guitar is that it provides an easy – to – understand breakdown on the chord progression, basic technique, finger patterns, leaf hand songs and right-hand songs.
In addition, it also has a big and beautiful list of songs so the learners could easily follow and practice every day. What is more, it has various videos which go hand in hand with useful material which is extremely beneficial for visual learners.
2. John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course
“Easiest Piano Course” is not an overstatement as this series of piano courses are ideal for beginners, especially for child beginners.
This piano course is produced and published by Willis Music Company which is a well – known, teacher – recognized and time – tested company with more than 100 years of offering high – quality products and services.
Hence, parents could easily put their mind at rest when picking up this book for their children. It is suitable for kids from 8 to 12 years old.
John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course is a classic and all – embracing step – by – step course which was exclusively designed to meet the needs of children starting the piano.
This book includes various practical and constructive features such as colorful characters and illustrations, reading – aloud and writing exercises, sight – reading drills, accompaniments for teachers or parents and review work.
I think this book is a perfect combination of the styles of the Note Speller and the Teaching Little Fingers How to Play.
When I’ve just bought this book for my little daughter, I’m afraid that the cartoon characters in the book could distract kids’ attention.
But actually, it surprisingly keeps my daughter more interested in learning.
In short, the lessons are super fun, engaging and easy to study. Plus, it equips a great foundation for learners. I’m totally satisfied with it.
3. Bastien Piano for Adults
If you are searching for a piano book for beginner adults, Bastien Piano for Adults is one of the best options.
It is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads and received thousand compliments from both amateur and professional piano players.
Bastien Piano for Adults is a well – written, easy – to – follow and well – designed book for beginning adults.
In each lesson, it provides sufficient amount of knowledge, correct fingering of each piece and explains thoroughly.
Plus, lessons, technic, sigh reading and theory are arranged logically to ensure student confidence and success. There is a variety of music provided including folk songs, jazz, boogie, blues, etc.
As adults, we have a tendency of giving up early when we have to spend too much time, effort and commitment when learning something new.
There is undeniable that there are thousand times we talk to ourselves that we’ll read a certain self – help book within 3 weeks or start a good habit such as wake up early, do exercise regularly,… but it ends up with failure as it’s too complicated, effort – required and time – consuming.
Hence, what I like about this book is that it doesn’t provide too much music theory which makes learners dispirited and gradually bored, the readers with limited musical knowledge could easily follow and get benefits from the book.
However, this book doesn’t come with a CD and as a more visual person, I think it would be perfect if the producer adds a CD which helps learners study faster and easier.
4. 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever
Piano songbooks are must-have items for a piano player.
If you are looking for a deluxe songbook which features pop and classical standards, 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever is a potential candidate that you should take it into your consideration.
It is rated 5/5 on Sheet Music Plus and 4.2/5 on Goodreads.
100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever was published by Hal Leonard LLC – the world largest print music publisher, hence, 100 songs carefully selected in this songbook will absolutely amaze you.
I have a special love for this book because it provides well – arranged and beautiful songs that have stood the test of time.
Actually, when hearing the name of this songbook, everyone would assume that it’s a book for advanced pianists. But it is not. It is suitable for intermediate pianists.
The choices of songs are very excellent and the arrangement is simple but logical. Plus, Broadway musicals accounted for the majority of the song list.
However, it doesn’t attract people who have much musical exposure as it doesn’t provide a variety of types of music. It will be better if the publisher adds a wider cross – section of pop, ballads, country, classical, etc.
5. Music for Little Mozarts
It is clear that toddlers and preschoolers don’t know read yet but it is never too hasty to start teaching them music and help them to enhance their artistic sense.
Furthermore, finding a piano book for toddlers is not an easy task as unlike adults, children easily neglect and hardly focus on books which are fully covered by black letters.
When I’m seeking for a piano book for preschoolers, the name of this book immediately appealed me, and it is “Music for Little Mozarts”.
Music for Little Mozarts, which is extremely suitable for 5 years old kids, is a piano book series published by Alfred Music Publishing – one of the largest educational music publisher all over the world.
This book course is perfectly designed for young musicians who have potential and passion for music and start initial steps in their piano journey.
The program concentrate on the adventures of Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear – two talented and extraordinary musicans. It has four levels in total and is compiled to be used in a two – year period.
There are various basic concepts included in this awesome book such as how to sit at the piano, the correct hand position, high and low notes, etc.
Even though it was first published in 1998 but it has remained its attractiveness in the heart of music lovers and stood the test of time.
In addition, this book is really cute, fun, colorful and educational. It keeps the children’s interest high and leads the learners through the lessons. Last but not least, the price of this book fits everyone’s pocket.
6. Beginning Jazz Keyboard (Book and CD)
If you are a big fan of Jazz and seeking for jazz piano books for beginners, Beginning Jazz Keyboard are a worth – considered book that you shouldn’t miss out.
Published in 1998 but it has remained the value until today, with the high rating somehow proves its quality.
As its name, Beginning Jazz Keyboard is highly suitable for those who are new to jazz and music theory but still want to have a crack at that.
What I like most about this book is that it is well – organized, straightforward, logical, intelligently – written and visually interesting. The songs are written to serve the lesson and designed for practicing the lesson taught.
Moreover, the songs are musically – satisfying and ear – catching. I bet the author seems to be an excellent teacher and come up with great material.
Please be noted that if you are buying on Amazon, please check carefully whether the book accompanied with the CD yet.
In short, Jazz is considered as a quite difficult and challenging genre of music, but this book makes it easier so far. This book is a treasure.
7. Adult All – In – One Course: Lesson – Theory – Technic
Adult All – In – One Course: Lesson – Theory – Technic is a best seller piano – related book of Amazon, it is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The Alfred’s piano lesson books are one of the most well – known among teenage learners because it is highly easy – to – use.
This instruction book introduces basic theory and knowledge on every page such as technical information about elements of music, musical theory topic, piano lessons.
Hence, it helps students to understand music deeper.
Plus, it provides a bunch of music types to learn including classical, blues, pop, etc. What is more, I love how logical the author sets up the lessons and the songs.
In short, grasp this course book immediately as it is a highly recommended piano book in the market right now.
8. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition
First of all, don’t be too serious about the title as I guess the author give that name to attract customers’ attraction. It received several hundred good reviews on Amazon, hence, its quality is undeniable and verified.
It was written by Michael Miller – the best – selling writer of a huge number of non – fiction books. He has a wide knowledge of various topics such as online selling, music, consumer electronics, and business.
Unlike many guideline books, the music theory is displayed and broken down into small enough portions, every portion is built from basic to advanced understanding.
If you are new to piano and even music, start this book at the beginning and learn carefully, your foundation knowledge will be gradually built.
With the support of this informative book, you will learn about various important musical knowledge such as chords, chord progressions, rhythms, time signatures, harmony and counterpoint, arranging and composing, melodies, tips, etc.
While this book is highly suitable and effective for teenagers and adults who have strong ability of self – studying, I wonder how it will work for a child under 10.
This book is totally ideal for beginner musicians. However, if you aren’t a beginner, you still should read through this book as I know several guitarists who have read through this book feeling satisfied as it filled the gaps in their knowledge.
Keep calm and practice piano, there will be a day your piano skill is near to the perfection, and I strongly believe that that day is coming soon. Once again, thank you so much for reading this article, subscribe to my blog to read more constructive and helpful articles.
