Recommended Piano Books for beginners
Filed in: Teaching and Learning
Over the years, I have used many different piano tutor books with students of all ages as they start learning the piano. There are some books that I come back to again and again, because I think they are creative, well written, and structured.
Sometimes, students come to a first lesson with a book from a previous teacher, or that their parents have bought in advance, and I usually try and work with that.
But if I am starting from scratch, I would choose one of the following. I am sure you have your own favourites, but these are mine:
Years 2, 3 and 4
I used to think you couldn't beat Piano Magic by Jane Sebba for young beginners - every time I opened it with a small person at the piano, I marvelled at how well it is thought out, and colourfully presented. Sadly, the latest reprint is in black and white. What possessed them?
I have shifted allegiance to Get Set Piano.
I also want to give a shout out to High Speed by Odette Bilby.
Get Set! Piano by Karen Marshall and Heather Hammond (published by A&C Black)
- Piano Tutor Book 1
- Piano Pieces Book 1
- Piano Tutor Book 2
- Piano Pieces Book 2
Piano Magic by Jane Sebba (published by A&C Black)
- Tutor Book 1 (in other words, the course itself. This book is intended for the student, not the teacher)
- Pieces Book 1
- Duets Book 1 (same for Book 2)
Chester's Easiest Piano Course by Carol Barratt (published by Chester)
- Book 1
- Book 2
- Book 3
Years 4-6
[]
Play Piano by Alan Haughton (published by Kevin Mayhew).
- Play Piano Course Book One by Alan Haughton
- Play Piano Repertoire Book One by Alan Haughton
Play Piano Theory Activity Book by Alan Haughton
Play Piano Course Book Two by Alan Haughton
- Play Piano Repertoire Book Two by Alan Haughton
Years 7 to 10
Play Piano Teenage by Alan Haughton and Chris Tambling (published by Kevin Mayhew). Don't be fooled: this is more-or-less the same book as Play Piano, but with 'cool' teenage graphics. To my mind, this is the best elementary course for the first few years of senior school - well planned and executed. I use it for most students
However, I encourage serious students, the very bright, and those who already play another instrument to Grade 3 or above, to use the Barratt book below.
• Play Piano! Teenage - Course Book, Book 1 - with free CD by Alan Haughton • Play Piano! Teenagee - Course Book, Book 2 by Alan Haughton
• Play Piano! Teenage Repertoire Book 1 by Alan Haughton • Play Piano! Teenage Repertoire Book 2 by Alan Haughton
Years 11-13
The Classic Piano Course by Carol Barratt (published by Chester) Available in three separate volumes. This course moves quickly, so isn't for everyone. My local music shop offers it as a course to adults.
- Book 1
- Book 2
- Book 3
There is also an Omnibus Edition, which I do not recommend. For some reason, known only to publishers, it is now slightly too small in size for comfortable reading - and doesn't open flat with any degree of ease.