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9 Best Piano Books for Beginners (Kids & Adults)

9 Best Piano Books for Beginners (Kids & Adults)

Want to learn how to play the piano? With the right tools and a little focus, you can quickly become proficient in basic piano techniques.

In order to build a strong foundation however, you’ll need two things: first, a great piano teacher to help guide you along. Second, a set of quality piano books for beginners.  The following books are wonderful options for beginning piano players.

Best Piano Books for Beginners

Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Lesson Series

The Alfred’s collection of piano books is incredibly popular with students of all ages. The Basic Piano Course lesson series progresses in small steps, so that the information is easy to replicate and remember.

As the lessons progress, students will learn the names of the piano keys: first white, then black. As one of the most sought-after piano books for beginners, this book is a sure step toward practical piano skills!

Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Theory Series

The Alfred’s Theory Series is designed as an accompaniment to the Basic Lesson Series, but the two do not necessarily have to go together. If you want to learn more about musical theory and the intricate workings of your new instrument, this is the book for you.

You can work through these books on their own or together with the practical series for a more rounded education. Your piano teacher can also help you decide which steps to focus on first.

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 Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Piano Course

The Alfred’s collection of beginner piano books is one of the most popular among adult students because it’s easy to use. Each section covers a piano lesson, musical theory topic, and technical information about the elements of music and the piano itself.

This is the most highly recommended adult piano book on the market right now!

Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Book 1

The Hal Leonard series of piano lesson books is a compelling one for students. The workbook is designed so that the greenest of beginners can create music right from the very start of their studies.

Simple instructions and illustrations, as well as an accompanying CD, make the first step toward becoming a real piano player as easy as possible. This book makes at-home individual practice fun!

John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course

Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course is not an overstatement: this series of piano lessons is perfect for beginners. Thompson introduces each note in his book one at a time and reinforces his lessons with colorful illustrations and characters.

This lesson book, complete with writing and reading assignments, is a great supplemental resource when working with a professional teacher one-on-one.

Related: 15 Piano Songs That Sound Complicated, But Are Easy To Learn

Ultimate Beginner Series

If you are a focused and dedicated, yet impatient student, some beginner piano books may frustrate you due to their slow pace. Not this one!

The Ultimate Beginner Series uses text and a DVD accompaniment to jump right into the world of piano playing and teach you about chords, arpeggios, playing with both hands, and even playing music by ear. This is a workbook for an inspired virtuoso in waiting!

Faber Music Piano Adventures

The Piano Adventures book takes a different approach to teaching beginners to learn how to play the piano. Students using this guide are encouraged to experiment with the piano pedals in order to properly understand their function.

They are also led through exercises that focus on constant awareness of “middle C.” Through skill exercises and instructional theory, you’ll learn to be more aware of the notes behind the keys.

Bastien Piano for Adults

The Bastien Piano for Adults lesson book was truly designed with adult learners in mind. Not only does the sample music include songs from all kinds of musical genres and eras — jazz, blues, folk, ragtime and classical — but the lessons are more progressive than children’s versions.

In addition to the text, the Bastien book includes a CD accompaniment to the lessons. The CD will help you gauge your understanding of tempo and timing.

Related: Can You Teach Yourself to Play Piano?

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Musical Theory

Don’t be embarrassed by the title — The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Musical Theory will help complete your learning experience! A lot of adults worry that they have no musical affinity or natural talent. If you’d agree, then this book is most definitely for you.

This guide is not specific to piano, but it will help you on your journey to understanding the theory behind all music, from the piano to vocals. Confusing theories are explained as simply as possible, which will help you on your way to becoming a virtuoso.

No matter which of these piano books for beginners that you choose, always keep in mind that working with a teacher will help you advance your skills more quickly. If you’re not ready for private lessons, sign up for our free online classes today!

Additional Piano Resources

15 Piano Solos To Impress Friends & Family
10 Perfect Piano Practice Tips
How to Teach Yourself Piano
How Hard Is It to Learn Piano?
How to Play Piano with Both Hands

Comments

Sharla

March 20, 2015 at 3:16pm

It's overwhelming to choose from the different books. I think I have chosen to go with the Faber books, but then they offer so many within one level. Any recommendations on that? Do we need the lesson, theory, performance and technique book?

Suzy S.

March 24, 2015 at 8:05am

Hi Sharla, I'd recommend checking with your piano teacher on that! He/she can tell you what you'll need for your lessons.

K.F.

May 24, 2017 at 12:52pm

HI, Sharla! I would definitely recommend using the Faber series. I used them myself, and they were wonderful. If you are serious about learning piano, you should probably get all the books: lesson, theory, performance, and technique, because they build off of each other to help you progress faster.

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September 03, 2017 at 9:36pm

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January 20, 2018 at 1:37am

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Piano for Beginners: How to Read Music Notes & More
In this group piano class, you’ll learn the basics of written music and how it applies to piano for beginners. Your instructor will discuss how to read music notes before you begin playing and will go through one song before the end of the class. Learning to read music is a skill that requires nearly as much practice as playing the piano itself, so you’ll greatly benefit from attending this informative class!
Monday at 3:00pm Learn More
Basic Piano Melodies for Beginners
Playing piano melodies might seem hard at first, but this class will make them a breeze! Your expert instructor will start at the basics of reading music and melodies. You will then cover more challenging areas such as playing with two hands and changing positions. Not to worry, though - these concepts will be broken down and made easy to understand so you can master them in no time!
Monday at 5:00pm Learn More
Piano for Beginners: Intro to Piano Chords & Music Intervals
Are you ready to start learning chords on the piano? This group piano class will explore playing more than one note at a time and forming note patterns. You’ll learn about the various types of intervals and how to apply them your playing. Music theory is an essential part of piano for beginners, and this class will help it become second nature!
Tuesday at 11:00am Learn More
Piano for Beginners: How to Play Piano Chords
Are you ready to take your music theory and piano playing skills to the next level? This online piano class will dive deeper into the various types of chords. You’ll discuss popular strategies to identify and play these chord types, as well as how to play chord progressions. Finally, you’ll learn some new techniques that will add liveliness to your playing!
Tuesday at 1:00pm Learn More
Simple Techniques to Start Playing Piano
Finally learn the basic skills you need to be able to sit down at the piano and start playing. In this class for beginners, your expert instructor will teach you simple techniques and exercises to start getting more comfortable playing piano right away. Learn alongside other beginner-level piano students and get live, instant feedback from a professional piano instructor in this fun, interactive group class!
Tuesday at 6:00pm Learn More
Must Know Piano Chords and How To Play Them
These interactive piano classes will teach you the fundamentals of piano chords so you can start expanding your playing skills. You’ll begin with learning the major and minor chords, and then move on to playing major and minor chord inversions. An experienced instructor will explain what each of these are, and make them easy to understand! Finally, you’ll put it all together by learning how to play a song with major and minor chord inversions.
Wednesday at 4:00pm Learn More
Piano for Beginners: Rhythm Exercises & Understanding Time Signatures
Reading and counting rhythms can be challenging for beginners, but this group piano class will make them a breeze! An expert instructor will lead you through rhythm exercises so you’re able to apply a knowledge of music theory to your playing. A discussion of time signatures will also help improve your technique. Soon these skills will become second nature!
Wednesday at 6:00pm Learn More
Piano for Beginners: How to Read a Lead Sheet of Music
Learning how to read a lead sheet is essential for beginning pianists. This form of written music leaves more of the performance decisions up to the musician, allowing you to add your own unique artistry. In this online piano class, playing through three songs using lead sheets will give you the opportunity to practice your skills! You’ll also become more comfortable playing with your left hand.
Thursday at 11:00am Learn More