Finding the Best Piano Learning Books for Beginners
Learning to play the piano can be a rewarding experience, and for many beginners, the journey often starts with a method book. With a plethora of options available, finding the right one can be daunting. This article aims to guide aspiring pianists through the selection process by examining key features to consider and highlighting some of the best piano method books for beginners.
What to Look For in a Piano Method Book
Choosing the right piano method book involves careful consideration of several factors that cater to individual learning styles and preferences. These factors include:
Pacing: The pace at which new concepts are introduced is crucial. A good method book should allow sufficient time to grasp each concept before moving on. It should have review of old concepts and how quickly the literature progresses in difficulty. Consider whether the book assumes prior knowledge or experience.
Positions: Hand positions are fundamental, especially in the early stages. Some books focus on a single hand position like Middle C for an extended period, while others encourage exploration across the keyboard from the start.
Notation: Beginner books often start with off-staff notation, gradually introducing traditional staff notation. The speed at which new notes are introduced and how well they are reinforced are essential considerations.
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Theory: A comprehensive method book integrates music theory concepts, either within the lesson book or through a separate workbook. The way new concepts are introduced, the frequency of review, and the availability of resources like ear training, composition, improvisation, sightreading, rhythm exercises, and music history all contribute to a well-rounded musical education.
Technique: Technical skills, including scales, arpeggios, chords, hand movements, and posture, are vital for developing proper playing habits. Some books offer separate technique books, while others integrate technique into the lesson book.
Levels/Path: A well-structured series offers a clear progression through various levels, exposing students to a balance of musical styles, including classical, jazz, and modern genres.
Aesthetics: The visual appeal of a method book can significantly impact a student's engagement. Bright colors, engaging illustrations, and a clean layout can make learning more enjoyable.
Song Selections: The choice of songs should be engaging and motivating. A good balance of familiar tunes, classical pieces, folk songs, and original compositions can keep students interested and inspired.
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Pricing: The cost of a method book series, including supplementary materials, should be considered.
Availability: Popular method books are readily available at music retailers and online.
Top Piano Method Book Series for Beginners
Here are some popular piano method book series that cater to beginner piano students:
Faber Piano Adventures
The Faber Piano Adventures series is a popular choice for beginners, known for its average pacing and balanced approach. It serves the majority of students in the best way. The series introduces Neighbor Notes Positions and the C Pentascale in the second half of the Primer Level. Staff reading is introduced gradually halfway through the Primer Level. Each lesson book from Level 2A and beyond includes one lead sheet song.
The series offers a separate theory workbook for each level, providing a variety of assignments, including writing assignments, ear training activities, and a little improvisation. A separate technique book for each level, titled Technique & Artistry, gives students a variety of assignments, featuring patterns and short etude-type pieces focusing on specific skills. The Level 1, Level 2A, and Level 2B lesson books also contain scale/chord patterns at the back.
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The Faber Piano Adventures series offers eight levels, guiding students to an intermediate level with exposure to classical, jazz, and modern styles. The books feature bright colors and cute lyrics, with updated images that are more colorful and interesting. The series offers a great balance of classical literature, folk songs, jazz, and modern genres. Supplemental books are available in many genres.
Alfred Premier Piano Course
Alfred’s Premier Piano Course is known for its faster pacing and focus on technique. It advances in difficulty faster than the Faber Piano Adventures piano method books. The series starts with black-key songs, then moves to Middle C Positions songs and some Neighbor Note songs. The C Pentascale is introduced halfway through the first level, Level 1A, just before staff reading is introduced.
Like Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred’s Premier Piano Course also offers a separate theory book for each level, with writing assignments and ear training activities. A dedicated notespeller book is also available for each level. The technique books are mostly very short etudes focusing on a specific skill, with Artistic Etudes also included. The series offers eight levels, guiding students to a late intermediate level with a focus on classical technique and literature, and jazz styles.
The books feature softer watercolor pencil drawings and are more technical with less lyrics. Starting in Level 1B and beyond, the songs in all of Alfred’s Premier Piano Course’s books really shine! These are exceptionally performance-worthy songs written by a team of very talented composers. Supplementary books are also available, though not as many choices as Faber.
Wunderkeys
The Wunderkeys Primer series moves slower through the concepts and skills compared to other piano method books on the market. The series keeps students in one hand position for long periods of time, with Middle C Position for all of Book 1 and the C Scale for all of Book 2 and Book 3.
The Primer books are filled with comics and games featuring lovable characters. The Elementary books also include comics. Even the Intermediate books are colorful. The songs in Wunderkeys Primer and early Elementary Level books are very short, generic and not much to listen to.
Other Notable Piano Method Books
Besides the method books described above, there are other notable mentions that are also worth considering:
Bastien Piano Basics: This method book integrates activities and review assignments seamlessly, teaching both standard notation and chord symbols. The songs sound good, which is SO important in keeping students motivated. There are beautiful arrangements of “Fantasie Impromptu” (Chopin), Sonata in A Major (Mozart), and even a “Für Elise” excerpt that’s almost identical to the first section of the original.
John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course: This classic method takes a "melody first" approach, emphasizing phrasing, articulation, and dynamics. Notation is introduced immediately. There’s an online library with full orchestral accompaniment.
Hal Leonard Student Piano Library: This book emphasizes keyboard geography, technique, and physical comfort before introducing standard notation. You’ll also learn a little bit of everything including intervals, articulation, and elements of different musical styles.
The Classical Piano Method: This method focuses on classical music, teaching piano and history simultaneously. Students start with simplified notation, then repetition, steps, skips, and the contour of music before reading the grand staff. There’s a lot of focus on technique, such as relaxing your muscles and breathing.
Piano For Dummies: This book is organized by topic, with one chapter on chords including everything from basic triads to complex 7th chords.
Beyond Method Books: Additional Resources for Piano Learning
While method books provide a structured approach to learning the piano, other resources can enrich the learning experience:
Pianote: This online platform offers a 10-step method with real teachers who provide personalized feedback. It focuses on chords and harmony, essential tools for songwriting, improvisation, and creativity. The Song Library includes transcriptions of popular songs licensed by Hal Leonard.
Supplementary Books: Books like "Piano Chords and Scales," "The Virtuoso Pianist (Hanon)," and "The Most Beautiful Classical Piano Pieces" can provide additional practice material and repertoire.
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