Finding Good Beginner

Piano Music

It is good to get your beginner piano music in one place. That being

said, having several choices to get things in one place could be a lot

better.

When you're looking for music do yourself a favor. Watch out for

and be careful when visiting some of the giant sites that appear to

have all the music in the world in one place. You could get

distracted and waste so much time online looking and searching, and

mostly coming up with nothing. Worse still, you might end up with

something you don't need, or can't use. Been there done that.

Whether you are a fresh newbie, been at it for a while, or polishing

up the beginner level, going with a good method book could be in

your best interest. It's a very good way to learn how to play the

piano. If you know how to practice and use the written music

properly it will prepare you for higher levels of piano playing. Very

often, I've taken students through a beginner method piano book and

moved them to the Royal Conservatory graded repertoire series as

soon as they felt ready for it.

There are several good beginner piano music books out there. I've

made a carousel of a few of my favorites with a brief description of

the features and benefits of each book or series. Here we go.

Some Beginner Piano Music Books

Alfred Adult Piano Course

Is very good with showing the proper sitting and hand position,

basic keyboard to notes layout, and includes some well known tunes

like Greensleeves, Mary Ann, When The Saints Go Marching In,

and others. Be sure to check the online table of contents before you

buy if you have a favorite tune that must be included in the book to

make you happy.

Explanations are clear and easy to understand as well in this series.

I've never had a problem with any of my adult students using the

Alfred series of beginner piano music books.

The book of scales and chords in the Alfred series breaks things

down and gives just the right amount of keyboard depictions to

musical notation to make it understandable. Still, people tell me that

they wouldn't move as quickly or as thoroughly without a teacher.

Scales and chords could get tedious without a helpful nudge from a

good teacher.

John Thompson's Modern Course For The Piano

At first glance doesn't look very modern. Still, with an actual

photograph of good hand position and clear break downs of musical

patterns used in the method make this book almost foolproof.

I have frequently used this course with students of all ages. I find it

takes solid steps with clarity and is easy to read.

150 Of The Most Beautiful Songs Ever

I love this book. It is not a method book and does not contain

lessons. I had to include it here as so many of the tunes I play,

especially at parties and events, come from this book. It really is not

for new beginners. However, if you learn to play at the grade 4 level

you could do many of the songs in this book. If you get to a grade 8

level of playing ability you could do most or all of the arrangements

under its covers.

Summary

If you start, just start, you will move forward. If you just think about

it, and think about it, that's what you'll get. Thinking without

learning and playing.

So, I hope you do begin piano and increase your fun in life. Let me

know if I can help you get going. Small steps will eventually get you

there. Good luck!

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