As a piano teacher, you know that one size does not fit all when it comes to piano method books.
Many publishers have realized this over the years as well. We are fortunate to have several excellent choices for our young beginners.
In this blog post, I’ll be highlighting three piano method books I like to use for new beginners ages 4-6.
Piano Method Books for Young Beginners
For the sake of keeping this article concise, I’ll just be highlighting the unique features of my top three piano method books for young beginners. I do have a full review of each of these series as well, so watch for links throughout this page to read more.
My First Piano Adventure Piano Method Books
First, we’ll look at one of the most popular piano method book series among piano teachers for young beginners: My First Piano Adventure.
My First Piano Adventure is written by Nancy and Randall Faber, the authors of the popular Piano Adventures piano method books.
The Fabers have created this series of three levels to replace their Primer Level Piano Adventures books for young beginners who need a slower start to their piano journey.
Ages
The authors created My First Piano Adventure for ages 5-6. Personally, I use this series for ages 4-5, and sometimes 6.
Levels
My First Piano Adventure consists of three levels (click any link to shop on Amazon):
My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book A focuses on playing the black keys, learning the finger numbers, and note values. At the end of Book A, students are introduced to the names of the white keys and playing songs on the white keys. Book A is entirely off-staff notation.
My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book B introduces reading notes on the staff. Students are asked to play in varying five-finger hand positions. Songs are notated on the staff. New notes on the staff are introduced throughout this level. Student focus on reading only steps on the staff.
My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book C continues to introduce new notes on the staff extending towards the top and bottom lines of the staff. Students are asked to play in varying hand positions, and reading skips on the staff is introduced and reviewed.
After My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book C
Once students complete My First Piano Adventure Lesson Book A, B, and C, they would then move to Piano Adventures Level 1.
Pacing of My First Piano Adventure
Compared to the other young beginner piano method series I’ll be reviewing in this article, My First Piano Adventure moves quite quickly.
Students must be up for a challenge to fully appreciate this series.
Challenges come in the form of:
- Required finger independence and control (even in Book A)
- Lots of notes on the staff to remember (Books B and C), and
- Ever-changing hand positions from page to page (all books).
Theory
My First Piano Adventure shines in the theory category!
A Writing Book exists in all three levels to accompany each Lesson Book.
The Writing Books are thorough and diverse taking students through a variety of activities and covering a variety of theory concepts.
One caveat to the My First Piano Adventure Writing Book is the lack of consistency in activities and instructions. I find my students are not usually able to complete these assignments at home. But, I have found success completing the Writing Book assignments in class with the student.
Technique
Technique is incorporated throughout all three Lesson Books.
I love the balance of technique to songs in this series. There is just enough technique to establish good habits, without asking little hands to do anything they aren’t yet ready for.
Aesthetics
Very bold, saturated colors cover every page of the My First Piano Adventure Lesson and Writing books!
Cute characters and lyrics follow the student through the series.
Accompaniment Tracks
High quality and engaging backing tracks are available for all three Lesson books. The tracks are fun and easy to sing or play along to.
Classical Literature
One of the most unique features of the My First Piano Adventure series is the inclusion of several classical themes throughout the series.
In addition, students meet some of the great composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, and others.
Where to Buy
My First Piano Adventure books can be purchased directly from the Piano Adventures website, the publisher’s website (Hal Leonard Publishing), or these online retailers:
Amazon
Check the price of My First Piano Adventure books on Amazon.
Sheet Music Plus
Check the price of My First Piano Adventure books on Sheet Music Plus.
Every Music Book
Or check out my best kept secret, Every Music Book, which offers everyday discounts on Piano Adventures books.
Learn More About My First Piano Adventure
Wunderkeys Preschool
Our second piano method books for young beginners pick is Wunderkeys Preschool.
Written by Andrea and Trevor Dow, the creators of the Wunderkeys books, Wunderkeys Preschool is specifically designed for very young beginners.
Unlike other young beginner methods, Wunderkeys Preschool was created as a prequel to their Primer level books, not a replacement.
Let’s dive in.
Ages
Wunderkeys Preschool is marketed for ages 3, 4, and 5. Personally, I use is with ages 3-4, and sometimes age 5.
Levels
There are three levels in the Wunderkeys Preschool piano method series:
All three levels focus on off-staff notation only. No notes on the staff are introduced in this series.
Students play only on the black keys in all three levels. White keys are not introduced in this series.
After Wunderkeys Preschool Book 3
Once a student completes Wunderkeys Preschool Book 1, 2, and 3, they would then go into Wunderkeys Primer Book 1.
Pacing of Wunderkeys Preschool
By comparison, the pacing of Wunderkeys Preschool is much slower. But that makes sense considering it is the only piano method series mentioned here that is geared towards age 3.
Unlike other young beginner piano method books, Wunderkeys Preschool…
- Does not introduce the white key names
- Does not introduce finger numbers
- Does not include full songs
- Does not introduce the staff at all
What Does Wunderkeys Preschool teach?
In the three levels of the Wunderkeys Preschool series, students will learn:
- Use fingers (pictures, not numbers)
- Recognize patterns
- Play rhythmic patterns
- High vs low
- Listening
Pros of Wunderkeys Preschool
Some of the unique characteristics of this series that I love are:
- Extremely slow pace for age 3-4
- Fun characters and pictures do not overwhelm
- Singing, games, and movement activities galore
- Students are not expected to read
- Students are not expected to have full finger independence
Cons of Wunderkeys Preschool
There are some drawbacks to the Wunderkeys Preschool series, however:
- Might be too slow for ages 4-5
- No songs to practice at home
- Lots of prep time on the part of the teacher
Including Wunderkeys Primer as a Young Beginner Piano Method
Because of its unique designation as a preschool-age piano method series, I don’t feel it’s fair to talk only about Wunderkeys Preschool. So, I’m going to include Wunderkeys Primer books in this overview as well, since those books compare more directly to the other series mentioned here.
Wunderkeys Primer
And therefore, we’ll also include Wunderkeys Primer in this review of my top three piano method books for young beginners. After all, Wunderkeys Preschool feeds directly into Wunderkeys Primer Book 1 and could be treated as a prequel to the Primer books.
Ages
Wunderkeys Primer is published for ages 5-9. Personally, I use this series with ages 5-7, and sometimes age 8.
Levels
The Wunderkeys Primer series includes three levels:
In Wunderkeys Primer Book One, students will start with off-staff notation on the black keys while learning the finger numbers. They will soon move to the white keys and be introduced to the author’s unique bridge notation system, known as the Wunderstaff. Halfway through Book One, students will be introduced to the staff and begin learning a few notes on the starting with Middle C. All songs will remain in Middle C Position.
Wunderkeys Primer Book Two introduces the C Pentascale and the new bass clef notes that accompany it.
Wunderkeys Primer Book Three also remains in the C Pentascale.
After Wunderkeys Primer Book Three
After students complete all three levels of the Wunderkeys Primer series, they will progress to the Wunderkeys Elementary books starting with Level 1A.
Pacing
In many ways, the pacing of Wunderkeys Primer is slower than My First Piano Adventure.
- One position only for long periods of time
- Slower note introduction schedule
- Shorter, simpler songs
Theory
There is no accompanying theory book designed to go with the Wunderkeys Primer (or Preschool) books. There is very little in the way of writing assignments within the Lesson books.
Games
However, games included in all levels of the Wunderkeys Preschool and Wunderkeys Primer series reinforce theory concepts every couple of units.
Characters & Comics
Wunderkeys Primer books are very unique in that they include comics in every unit. Four adorable characters are introduced and followed throughout the series. Students love the comics and stories, and become very attached to Sheldon the Squirrel, Ruby the Rabbit, Gary the Grizzly Bear, and Maxine the shy Skunk.
Technique
No technique book is available with the series. While I believe the author intends the Practice on the Pathway page of each unit to build technical skills, in my experience these become more sightreading exercises than anything else.
Aesthetics
No other book quite compares to the colorful comics and games found inside the Wunderkeys Primer books! They are eye-catching and kid-approved to be sure.
Where to Buy
All Wunderkeys books can only be purchased on Amazon.
Check the price of Wunderkeys Preschool books on Amazon.
Check the price of Wunderkeys Primer books on Amazon.
Learn More About Wunderkeys Preschool or Wunderkeys Primer
Check out my full review of either of these two series:
Piano Made Fun for the Young
My final pick for piano method books for young beginners is a lesser known series called Piano Made Fun for the Young.
Even if you’ve already fallen in love with one of the other piano methods mentioned, don’t click out yet! I don’t always use this final series, but when I need it, I’m so glad it’s ready on my shelf.
This series is unique in many ways and does not offer the same colorful, flashy characters as the other series mentioned. But, for many students these books have been the perfect structure for their learning style and pace.
Ages
Piano Made Fun for the Young is published for ages 4-6, and I agree entirely with this age designation.
Levels
There are four levels in total in the Piano Made Fun for the Young series:
- Pre-reading Made Fun, Starter Book
- Note Reading Made Fun, Book 1
- Note Reading Made Fun, Book 2
- Note Reading Made Fun, Book 3
The Starter Book has its own title: Pre-reading Made Fun for the Young. This book is nearly entirely dedicated to getting comfortable on the black keys. Pictures guide students to place the correct finger on the correct black key. Students will learn the names of the white keys at the end of the Starter Book, but this entire level is off-staff notation.
In Book 1, students will be introduced to the staff and learn notes of the staff one-by-one. This series assigns an animal name to every note introduced throughout the series! Every unit has the same format. Every song is the same length. Every new note has its own page, chart, and mini-song. If you want structure and have a student who thrives on predictability, this is the series you need!
Book 2 moves students into the C Scale and continues introducing notes in a predicable pattern. At the end, students move right hand up to higher C Scale and learn those five notes one-by-one.
Book 3 moves the student into the G Scale with the exact same note introduction schedule and layout they are used to. The last part of the book also introduces the D Scale and F Scale including F-sharp and B-flat.
After Piano Made Fun for the Young Book 3
There is no continuing series after Book 3. The authors, Kevin and Julia Olson, have not created an elementary to intermediate corresponding series. Students who finish all of the Piano Made Fun books would need to transfer to a different series.
Pacing of Piano Made Fun for the Young
The pacing of the Piano Made Fun for the Young method books is quite slow. Each note is meticulously learned, internalized, and reviewed before another new note is introduced. In addition, students keep the same hand position for long periods of time before making a change.
Theory
Yes, there’s a theory book, but it’s not what you think!
Theory Made Fun and it’s corresponding books, are mini sing-along books designed for “Rug Time” introduction of theory concepts. Backing tracks allow students and teachers to sing their way to theory knowledge.
The advantage of this style of learning is students never forget a theory fact they learned by song. Rhythm and voice skills are developed early on. Plus, the theory activities are a fun away-from-the-piano brain break for young students.
The disadvantage is that there is no writing or direct note identification built in to this series. Teachers would need to supplement with note identifying or writing worksheets or books.
The three theory books offered in the Piano Made Fun for the Young series are:
Technique
While there isn’t technically a technique book, I use the author’s “sister series” called The Perfect Start to supplement the Note Reading Made Fun books.
The Perfect Start for Finger Exercises Book 1, 2, and 3 follow the same note introduction schedule as the Note Reading Made Fun books so they work together (excuse the pun) perfectly.
Aesthetics
The simplicity of these books contrasts the bright colors of My First Piano Adventure and Wunderkeys. Piano Made Fun for the Young books are all black and white with no characters, comics, or games.
The sketches that accompany each song are simple line drawings.
But students are captured by the animal names and songs to go along with each animal. The titles and lyrics are engaging. These books spark a young student’s imagination despite their simple design.
Accompaniment Tracks
Each book comes with nice accompaniment tracks as well. Students can sing along, play along, slow down, or speed up any song with the online interface.
Where to Buy
Piano Made Fun for the Young books can be purchased direct from the publisher, Alfred Publishing.
You can also find Piano Made Fun for the Young piano method books on Amazon.
Check the price of Pre-Reading Made Fun for the Young on Amazon.
Learn More About Piano Made Fun for the Young
Check out my full review and video all about Piano Made Fun for the Young.
Which Young Beginner Method?
The truth is: I use all of these piano method books and like all of them!
I prefer to keep all of these books on my shelf ready to go if I accept a new young beginner piano student.
I always schedule a first lesson with a series in mind, but the flexibility to pivot.
But here are some general guidelines I follow when choosing between the methods mentioned in this article.
Age 3-4
For a very young beginner, there are only really two options (among those mentioned here): Wunderkeys Preschool, or Piano Made Fun for the Young (Starter Book).
A beginner age 3 will likely thrive in the fun preschool setting of Wunderkeys Preschool.
A four-year-old will also love Wundekeys Preschool if they are still in that “preschool mindset”–fun and play all day!
A more mature four-year-old can definitely dive into Pre-reading Made Fun, Starter Book if they are comfortable playing the black keys one-by-one and they will willingly sit on the bench for at least five minutes at a time.
Age 4-5
For most 4- to 5-year-olds, Wunderkeys Preschool is out. It’s just not going to appease them to only play one key with one note for half of their lesson! They need some familiar tunes and something to practice at home.
Meet and assess your potential 4- or 5-year old. How do they sit? How do they listen to instructions? Can they control their fingers to play one key with one finger at a time? Have they experienced full-day kindergarten for at least a few months?
From there I would try out a book to see how it goes at the first lesson!
If they are more on the less mature side of the spectrum, I would try Pre-reading Made Fun, Starter Book.
If they are about average and can sit and follow some instructions, I would try Wunderkeys Primer Book One.
And if they are very mature for their age, I would try My First Piano Adventure.
Piano Method Comparison Chart
To see how piano method books compare from series to series, try my Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart free to download if you sign up for my email list!
Go More In-depth
Learn more about any of these series by reading (or watching) the full review:
My First Piano Adventure Full Review
Wunderkeys Primer (and beyond)
3 Responses
Helpful info! I definitely want to dive into using more Wunderkeys material. I have used the older pop books and supplemental materials from the Dows for years but never the preschool books! Thanks so much for giving me the push I needed to dive in more!
Glad it was helpful! That’s how I entered Wunderkeys-land, too. First with the Intermediate Pop Studies, then the supplemental, then Primer, and finally Preschool! I have yet to dive into the Older Beginner books, but I’ve heard good things about them. Thanks for sharing your experience!