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Embarking on a musical journey as an adult beginner can be both exhilarating and daunting. With countless resources available, selecting the right piano book can make a significant difference in your learning experience.
This comprehensive guide will unveil the top 15 best piano books for beginners adults ensuring a smooth transition from novice to proficient pianist.
Our best Picks
- Faber Piano Adventures: All-In-One Course Book 1
- Bastien Piano for Adults – Book 1
- Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course – Book 1
- John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1
- Hal Leonard Student Piano Library: Adult Piano Method – Book 1
- The Classical Piano Method – Method Book 1
- Piano For Dummies (3rd ed.)
- Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner
- Mikrokosmos by Bela Bartok
- Schmitt’s Preparatory Exercises, Op. 16
- Czerny’s The Young Pianist, Op. 823
- Beginning Piano Solos
- Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach
- J.S. Bach’s Two & Three Part Inventions
- Chopin’s An Introduction to His Piano Works
Learning to play the piano as an adult presents unique challenges and opportunities. Unlike children, adults often possess a more profound understanding of abstract concepts, enabling them to grasp theoretical principles with greater ease.
However, they may face physical limitations or ingrained habits that can hinder their progress. Choosing the appropriate piano book can mitigate these obstacles and provide a structured, engaging learning experience.
1. Faber Piano Adventures: All-In-One Course Book 1
Authors: Randall Faber and Nancy Faber
Ideal For: Comprehensive, well-rounded introduction to piano
The Faber Piano Adventures series, written by husband-and-wife team Randall and Nancy Faber, is a well-crafted and visually appealing book divided into 16 units.
Each unit includes a technique exercise and a theory quiz, gradually building a solid foundation in piano playing. This comprehensive method introduces posture, chord theory, scales, and even lead sheet reading, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a well-rounded musical education.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers technique, theory, intervals, scales, and chords | Best used with a teacher or mentor |
| Encourages improvisation | Song selection could be improved |
| Beautifully designed and spiral-bound | Amount of information may feel overwhelming for some |
| Lots of supplemental digital resources | Gradual approach may seem too slow for some students |
2. Bastien Piano for Adults – Book 1
Authors: Jane Smisor Bastien, Lisa Bastien, Lori Bastien
Ideal For: Ambitious learners who enjoy challenges and quizzes
The Bastien method book is designed for those who thrive on testing themselves. With reviews, exercises, and quizzes woven throughout, this book encourages active learning and progress tracking.
It introduces simplified contour notation before transitioning to standard notation, gradually building note recognition skills. The highlight of this book is its beautiful arrangements of classical pieces, including excerpts from Chopin’s “Fantasie Impromptu” and Mozart’s Sonata in A Major.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bold text and spiral binding for music stands | Written exercises may not appeal to everyone |
| Activities and review assignments integrated seamlessly | Lack of blues, jazz, and pop until semitones are introduced |
| Teaches standard notation and chord symbols | Initial information may be overwhelming for some beginners |
| Challenging technical exercises | |
| Decent music selection |
3. Alfred’s Basic Adult All-in-One Course – Book 1
Authors: Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco
Ideal For: Those seeking a comprehensive foundation, including detailed theory and technique
Well-written and content-packed, this 143-page book places significant emphasis on theory and technique. Students will learn about hand anatomy, Hanon exercises, and the Leschetizky Solution for strengthening the fourth and fifth fingers.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including primary chords, chord progressions, and even the 12-bar blues form, making it a comprehensive resource for adult learners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed information on hand technique and health | Many written exercises, which may not appeal to everyone |
| Comprehensive coverage of chording and chord progressions | Song selection could be improved |
| Good introduction to blues and jazz | Despite length and depth, introduces basic concepts relatively quickly |
| Lots of theory |
4. John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1
Author: John Thompson
Ideal For: Those with teachers or those using a more step-by-step method who want more beginner repertoire
John Thompson’s books are classics in the world of piano pedagogy. This particular volume takes a “melody first” approach, emphasizing phrasing, articulation, and dynamics from the outset.
Notation is introduced immediately, making it best suited for those working with a teacher or more experienced pianist who can explain concepts and play accompaniment parts. The true strength of this book lies in its beautiful repertoire, featuring compositions by Thompson himself.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful pieces – likely the best-sounding on this list | Best used with a teacher to guide and play accompaniments |
| Strong emphasis on developing musicality and artistry | No multimedia resources |
| Cheapest option on this list | Concepts are introduced relatively quickly |
| Beautifully designed and written | Chords are only briefly mentioned; very little chord theory |
5. Hal Leonard Student Piano Library: Adult Piano Method – Book 1
Authors: Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, Barbara Kreader, Mona Rejino
Ideal For: Those who prefer an intuitive and creative approach
Hal Leonard, a powerhouse in music education and publishing, offers a solid book that encourages ad-libbing with black keys right from the start. There’s a strong emphasis on keyboard geography, technique, and physical comfort before introducing standard notation.
The book covers a little bit of everything, including intervals, articulation, and elements of different musical styles, making it a gentle and gradual approach that builds confidence.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Encourages improvisation, exploration, and creativity | Book design and writing style are more on the bland side |
| Little-bit-of-everything approach gives a holistic overview without being overwhelming | Best to have someone play accompaniment to get the most out of the book |
| Emphasis on keyboard geography and physical comfort before reading music | Song selections aren’t the best-sounding |
| Clear and concise writing |
6. The Classical Piano Method – Method Book 1
Author: Hans-Guenter Heumann
Ideal For: Beginners with a particular interest in classical music
As the title suggests, this book is aimed at classical music enthusiasts, offering a traditional teaching style with no jazz or pop elements. Students start with simplified notation before transitioning to standard notation, with a strong emphasis on technique and theory.
While the song selection may not feature iconic pieces, those who love classical music are bound to enjoy the depth of information and the well-designed format.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean and sophisticated design with clearly numbered lessons | Only classical music – no jazz or pop |
| Includes both British and American terms | Very little information on chord theory and improvisation |
| Lots of detailed focus on technique and theory | Progresses quite quickly – a lot of information in a short amount of time |
| Periodic “Theory Check” quizzes | Despite focus on classical music, selections are often more obscure pieces and composers |
| Informative bits about music history and composers |
7. Piano For Dummies (3rd ed.)
Authors: Adam Perlmutter, Hal Leonard Corporation
Ideal For: Use as a supplementary and more detailed how-to book alongside a more practical method book
“Piano For Dummies” is a little different from the other books we’ve discussed. It’s organized by topic, so rather than introducing a concept bit-by-bit over the entirety of a book, one chapter on chords will include everything from basic triads to complex 7th chords.
This can be overwhelming for a beginner, so it’s recommended to use this book as a companion to another method book for a more structured learning experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-written, humorous tone; very enjoyable to read! | Long (361 pages); reads more like a textbook |
| Well-organized information hierarchy | More intellectual than practical |
| Holistic: covers how to buy a piano and how to find a piano teacher | Organized by topic, not difficulty, so can be overwhelming for beginners |
| More advanced example pieces (especially the blues and R&B ones) sound pretty good | Emphasizes traditional notation, which may not be the preference of pop and jazz students |
8. Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner
Authors: Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Roger Grove
Ideal For: Those with some background in music, perhaps playing a different instrument
“Keyboard Musician for the Adult Beginner” is a favorite among teachers for those with some prior musical experience.
It does an excellent job of teaching music reading by emphasizing the distance and direction between notes, encouraging students to take in sections of music at once rather than focusing on individual notes. The book covers a wide range of topics, making it a comprehensive resource for building a solid foundation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Emphasizes reading intervals by focusing on distance and direction | May be too advanced for total beginners with no musical experience |
| Covers important topics like landmark notes, intervals, accompaniment, theory, and more | |
| Provides a strong foundation in the basics of piano and music |
9. Mikrokosmos by Bela Bartok
Author: Bela Bartok
Ideal For: Those seeking a more modern approach to composition and pedagogy
Mikrokosmos, a series of six volumes written by composer Bela Bartok between 1926 and 1939, has been used for teaching both adults and children for many years. This collection offers a more contemporary take on composition and pedagogy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a fresh perspective on piano learning.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains a wide range of pieces, from easy beginner to advanced | Best used with a teacher for guidance |
| Presents a more modern approach to composition and pedagogy | Not specifically designed for adults |
| Available in various editions, including the popular Boosey & Hawkes and Wiener Urtext editions | Can be very challenging for beginners |
10. Schmitt’s Preparatory Exercises, Op. 16
Author: Aloys Schmitt
Ideal For: Developing finger independence and technique
Preparatory Exercises (Opus 16) by Aloys Schmitt is a series of exercises designed to develop finger independence and technique. It provides a variety of exercises that can be practiced in different ways, making it a valuable resource for improving technical proficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains interesting exercises to practice in various ways | Can be monotonous |
| Includes good fingerings for scales and arpeggios | Lacks musical pieces |
| Good for technical foundation | Not very engaging for those seeking to play songs |
| Exercises are short and focused |
11. Czerny’s The Young Pianist, Op. 823
Author: Carl Czerny
Ideal For: Developing technique, interpretation, and sight-reading skills
Carl Czerny, a student of Beethoven and a teacher of Liszt, was a prominent figure in classical music and piano pedagogy.
His Opus 823, “The Young Pianist,” contains many short exercises and studies that are useful for developing technique, interpretation, and sight-reading skills, making it a valuable resource for adult learners of all levels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains short exercises and studies for developing important piano skills | May be too dry and technical |
| Great for sight-reading practice, even for advanced adult students | Some find Czerny exercises to be repetitive |
| Suitable for building up to more advanced works |
12. Beginning Piano Solos
Compiled by: Paul Sheftel
Ideal For: Late beginner or early intermediate adult learners
“Beginning Piano Solos” is a compilation of relatively easy piano pieces from various periods, put together by Paul Sheftel, a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music and Juilliard.
This collection is suitable for adult learners at the late beginner or early intermediate level who have a grasp of reading music, technique, and theory. It’s also an excellent resource for sight-reading practice for more advanced students.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compilation of relatively easy piano pieces from different periods | May not provide a strong technical foundation |
| Suitable for sight-reading practice for advanced students | The diversity in difficulty can be inconsistent |
| Includes works by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Bartok, Purcell, Schumann, and Tchaikovsky |
13. Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach
Composed by: J.S. Bach and others
Ideal For: Late beginner or early intermediate adult learners
The “Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach” is a collection of beautiful works from a notebook given by J.S. Bach to his wife, Anna Magdalena Bach.
The pieces in this book were used by Bach’s musical family for learning and playing music, and include compositions by J.S. Bach himself, his son Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach, and other composers of the time. This volume is a great addition to any pianist’s library and is suitable for adult learners at the late beginner or early intermediate level.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains beautiful works from a notebook given by J.S. Bach to his wife | Baroque style may not be to everyone’s taste |
| Includes pieces composed by J.S. Bach, his son C.P.E. Bach, and other composers of the time | Some pieces may still be too advanced for absolute beginners |
| Suitable for late beginner or early intermediate level |
14. J.S. Bach’s Two & Three Part Inventions
Author: J.S. Bach
Ideal For: Exploring two-voice and three-voice counterpoint
The two and three part inventions, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach during the Baroque Period, are excellent examples of two-voice and three-voice counterpoint.
These inventions are available in various editions, including the Alfred edition, which includes a helpful introduction and interpretive guidance, and the Henle Urtext edition, which presents a clean, unedited version of the pieces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wonderful examples of two-voice and three-voice counterpoint | Requires a good technical and musical foundation |
| Available in various editions, including Alfred and Henle Urtext | May be frustrating without guidance |
| Alfred edition includes helpful introduction and interpretive guidance | Too advanced for most beginners |
| Henle Urtext edition presents a clean, unedited version of the pieces |
15. Chopin’s An Introduction to His Piano Works
Author: Frédéric Chopin
Ideal For: Exploring Chopin’s easier pieces
“An Introduction to His Piano Works” by Frédéric Chopin is a volume containing some of the Polish composer’s easiest pieces.
This collection is a great starting point for those interested in exploring Chopin’s works for the first time, as it’s relatively inexpensive and contains a number of pieces that are suitable for early intermediate players. It also provides helpful fingering suggestions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Contains some of Chopin’s easiest pieces | Original works are very challenging |
| Inexpensive and contains a number of pieces suitable for early intermediate players | Simplified arrangements may not capture the full essence of Chopin |
| Provides helpful fingering suggestions |
Remember, these books should be viewed as companions to your learning journey, not the sole source of instruction. Combining them with guidance from a qualified teacher or online resources can greatly enhance your progress and enjoyment.
FAQs
What is a good starting point for an adult self-learner to begin piano?
Adult self-learners should start with “Adult Piano Adventures Book 1” and consider adding a supplementary book such as Popular, Classics, or Christmas from the series to diversify their learning experience.
As an older beginner, which series is better: the Accelerated series or the Adult All-in-One series?
The age recommendations suggest using the Accelerated Course for ages 11-17 and the Adult Course for ages 17-100. The Adult All-in-One series is particularly comprehensive, with two main course books and additional resources like 3-Minute Theory exercises
Are there supportive resources available for adult piano learners?
Yes, for Adult Piano Adventures, there is the Adult Piano Adventures Plus app, online support with 3-Minute Theory and Technique pages, video libraries like Creative Improv, and supplementary repertoire books .
How can I improve my sightreading skills as an adult learner?
To improve sightreading skills, practice reading a lot of music at or slightly below your current level. Using supplementary books that match your method book level can be beneficial, and consistent practice is key.
What should I do after completing Adult Piano Adventures Book 2?
After completing Adult Piano Adventures Book 2, you can move on to learning lead sheets and various accompaniments. Piano Adventures Scale and Chord Books 2 and 3 are excellent supplements to continue your progression
A word from the author
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