Best Piano Method Book for Beginners: My Top 3 Picks

The best piano method book for beginners is out there.  But there are so many choices on the market!  It’s hard to know where to start.

After 19 years teaching piano lessons, I’m comparing my top 3 picks for the best piano method book (series) for beginners.

These recommendations are for beginners age 6-11. For young beginner piano method recommendations (age 3-6), check out this article.

What to Look For to Find the Best Piano Method Book

When looking for the best piano method book for a student, I like to compare using a set of criteria.  Because many beginner method books are very similar to each at first glance, it helps to have specific categories.

The categories for comparing piano method books are:

• Pacing
• Positions
• Notation
• Theory
• Technique
• Levels/Path
• Aesthetics
• Song Selections
• Pricing
• Availability

Now let’s go further in-depth for each category to fully understand what to look for when checking out a new piano method book.

Pacing

Pacing describes the pace at which the piano method books move.  This category is extremely relevant for all levels.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when determining the pacing of a piano method book:

• How long does it stay on a new concept before moving onto the next?  
• How quickly does the literature progress in difficulty?  
• How much review of old concepts is there?  
• Does it assume some prior knowledge or experience?

Positions

“Positions” describes the placement of the hands and scales used and introduced in the piano method book.  For instance, some piano method books keep the hands in Middle C Position for an entire level, while others encourage movement about the keyboard right away.  Hand positions are most relevant in beginner level piano method books, but can be translated to “Key Signatures” in later levels.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when determining the positions of a piano method book:

• Is there a standard hand position used for all songs in the book or does it differ from song to song?
• What hand positions are assumed to be known at the beginning of the book?
• What hand positions are introduced within the book?
• How difficult are the hand positions to find and remember?

Notation

Notation describes the way in which music is notated.  This is mostly relevant only to Primer or Level 1 piano method books.  Most piano methods start with off-staff notation and later introduce reading notes on the staff.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when comparing the notation of a piano method book:

• Does the book start with off-staff notation?
• Does the book use any hybrid of off-staff and traditional on-staff notation?  Or an alternate way of notating?
• When is traditional on-staff notation introduced?
• How quickly are new notes on the staff introduced and incorporated into the music?
• How much review of notes on the staff is done?

Theory

Theory describes how students are introduced to new music theory concepts and how concepts are reviewed.  Some piano method books offer a separate theory workbook and some incorporate writing assignments into the main lesson book, while still others include both.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when comparing the theory offered as part of a piano method book series:

• Does this series offer a separate theory book (an all-writing workbook)?
• Does the method book offer theory assignments within the main lesson book?
• How are new theory concepts introduced?
• How often are previous theory concepts reviewed?
• Does the method series provide enough writing assignments for your lesson structure?
• Is a separate Notespeller book also available with the series?
• How appealing are the writing assignments?
• Does the series also offer:
  • Ear training exercises
  • Composition
  • Improvisation
  • Sightreading
  • Rhythm exercises
  • Music history

Technique

Technique describes how technical skills are introduced, implemented and reviewed.  This includes scales, arpeggios, and chords, as well as hand movements, posture, and other physical movement-related learning at the piano.

Some piano method books offer a separate technique book to accompany the lesson book.  Others incorporate technique within the pages of the lesson book.  Still others use both a separate technique book and pages within the lesson book.

Here are some questions I ask myself when comparing technique offered as part of a piano method book series:

• Does this series offer a separate technique book?
• Does the method book offer technique sections or pages within the main lesson book?
• How are new technical skills introduced?
• How often are previous skills reviewed?
• Are there easy-to-assign pages that could work as a weekly warm-up?
• Does the method series provide enough technique assignments to serve a student who wants to continue to study classical literature?  How about jazz?  Other focuses?
• Is there enough variety of skills introduced and reviewed? (Just as an example: a piano method book series that focuses heavily on scales but does not emphasize learning chords)
• Does the series offer additional supplemental technique books, such as a scale book?
• How appealing are the technique assignments from a student’s point of view?

Levels/Path

Levels describes how many levels are offered in the piano method book series.  Path describes how far the series will take a student who completes all available levels.  For example, a piano method series may offer seven levels to work through and the student will be at a late intermediate level of playing once they complete the series.  So, the levels would be: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7.  And the path would be: beginner to late intermediate.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when determining the levels and path of a piano method book:

• How many levels are offered in the series?
• Is the first level for absolute beginners?
• What level will the student be after finishing the final book in the series?
• Does this author offer another series that follows this series?

Aesthetics

Aesthetics describes the overall look and feel of the books themselves, both the cover and the interior of the books.

Here are some questions I ask myself when determining the aesthetics of a piano method book:

• Is the cover appealing?  Would kids want to pick it from a shelf of books?
• What feelings does the cover evoke?
• Are the pages appealing?  How would you describe the illustrations, colors, graphics, and titles?
• What feelings do the page designs evoke?
• Are the pictures appropriate and captivating for the age of the student?

Song Selections

Song selections refers to the sound and feel of the songs included in the piano method book.  This cannot be determined by flipping through the pages.  Take some time to sit down at the piano with the book and try out the songs for yourself.

Here are some questions I ask myself when comparing the song selection of a piano method book:

• Do the songs make sense as music?  Are they logical to play, sing and listen to?
• Are there lyrics and appealing titles?
• Are there familiar songs that kids would recognize?
• Do the songs have an exciting, emotion evoking, or interesting sound when performed?  Would students want to play these songs for their friends at school?
• Do the songs move logically from one to another?  Or do they jump around in difficulty?
• Is there a variety of song type and style?
• Do you like the songs?

Pricing

Pricing describes the final cost a student will pay when purchasing the set of piano method books.  Some series have less books to purchase but the books themselves are more expensive and comprehensive.  While some series require the average student to purchase several books at a time, the books themselves are less expensive.  

Here are some questions I ask myself when comparing the price of a piano method book series:

• How much is the main lesson book?
• What other books are required for the best experience?
• Is there a separate theory and/or notespeller book to compliment the lesson book?
• How about a technique book?
• Performance book?
• Will I be adding any supplemental books?
• Which retailer offers the best prices on these books?
• What is the final total cost to a student?

Availability

Availability describes the ability to easily order or purchase the piano method book series.  You may not want to fall in love with a piano method book that is only available from a small publisher halfway across the globe if it means waiting three weeks to receive and paying high shipping fees!

Here are some questions I ask myself when determining the availability of a piano method book: 

• Is the book series available from a major publisher?  Hal Leonard and Alfred are the two big ones.
• Does the publisher sell them direct on their website?
• Does my local music store carry these books?
• Are they available on Amazon?
• Are they available on EveryMusicBook?
• Are they available on SheetMusicPlus?

My Top 3 Picks

In the next section, I will be comparing my top three piano method book series using the categories described above.

I have a separate post reviewing each of these three piano method book series as well. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look into each series, check out those posts. This post is intended as an overview comparison of the three.

And the winners are…

Piano Method Book Series #1: Faber Piano Adventures

For a full, in-depth look into the Faber Piano Adventures books, check out this dedicated review post.

Here, we’ll take a overhead view of the piano method book series using the 10 categories.

Pacing: Average Pace

Faber Piano Adventures has become my standard, go-to series because it serves the majority of students in the best way.  When in doubt about the pacing needs of a student, Piano Adventures is a great pick to start with.

Positions: Neighbor Notes Positions and C Pentascale Introduced in the Second Half of the Primer Level

In the Primer Level of the Faber Piano Adventures book, the student’s hands are kept in either Middle C Positions (thumbs are sharing Middle C), or in what I call “Neighbor Notes” Position (LH thumb on B, RH thumb on C or LH thumb on C, RH thumb on D).  

Before staff notation is introduced, students are introduced to the C Pentascale (both hands on C-D-E-F-G).  

Notation: Staff Reading Introduced Halfway Through The Primer Level

Songs are written in off-staff notation for the first half or so of the Primer Level Faber Piano Adventures books.  Staff notation is introduced gradually halfway through.

It’s also worth mentioning that each lesson book from Level 2A and beyond includes one lead sheet song as well.

Theory: Separate theory workbook for each level + notespeller books

The Faber Piano Adventures series offers a separate theory book for each level.  The theory books offer a variety of assignments.  Some are writing assignments, some are ear training activities, and a little improvisation is also introduced.

Technique: Good balance of technical skills-to-literature ratio

The Faber Piano Adventures series offers a separate technique book for each level.  The technique books, titled Technique & Artistry, give students a variety of assignments.  Some pages feature a pattern that the student will move up or down a note.  Other pages offer a short etude-type piece focusing on a skill.  “Artistry” pieces are also included.

The Level 1, Level 2A, and Level 2B Faber Piano Adventures Lesson books also contain scale/chord patterns at the back. 

Levels/Path: 8 Levels / Balance of Classical, Jazz & Modern

The Faber Piano Adventures series offers the following levels:

• Primer Level
• Level 1
• Level 2A
• Level 2B
• Level 3A
• Level 3B
• Level 4
• Level 5

Students end the series at an Intermediate level.

Throughout the Piano Adventures series, students are exposed to a variety of styles and genres.  Students will exit the series with a good handle on classical, jazz, and modern styles.  

Aesthetics: Bright colors, Cute lyrics

The first thing you’ll notice about the Faber Piano Adventures series is the bold colored covers.  These distinctive level colors keep students coming back for more!  “When do I get to start the aqua books?” I often hear my students say.

Inside, these piano method books used to feature monochromatic, abstract images that left a little to be desired.  But I’m happy to report, the authors are systematically updating all of the images in their method books!  The new images are more colorful and interesting.  My students enjoy them.

Song Selections: A good balance between familiar songs & originals; Supplemental choices unsurpassed

The titles and lyrics are interesting enough to keep students engaged.  

The Faber Piano Adventures series offers a great balance of classical literature, folk songs, jazz, and modern genres.  For the average student, or a student who doesn’t have a specific genre of study, this series of piano method books is the perfect pick to expose them to a variety of styles and techniques.

For students who want more exposure to a particular genre, you can order a level-appropriate supplemental book in many genres (see my full Faber Piano Adventures Review).

Pricing: Average

At retail price, each Faber Piano Adventures book is priced around $9-10. The standard core method set contains four books: Lesson, Theory, Technique & Artistry, and Performance.

There are retailers that offer discounted prices. Check Piano Adventures prices on Amazon.

Availability: 10/10

Faber Piano Adventures is the most popular piano method book series and is readily available wherever music books are sold! 

Piano Method Book Series #2: Alfred Premier Piano Course

For a full, in-depth look into Alfred’s Premier Piano Course, check out this dedicated review post.

Here, we’ll take a overhead view of the piano method book series using the 10 categories.

Pacing: Fast Pace

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course advances in difficulty faster than the Faber Piano Adventures piano method books.  Although it starts with a similar methodology to most primer-level piano method books, it quickly accelerates the learning process with advancing technique and literature that challenges students.

Positions: C Scale and alternate positions introduced in the Second Half of the 1A Level

Like the Faber Piano Adventures Primer Level books, Alfred Premier Piano Course starts with black-key songs, then moves to Middle C Positions songs and some Neighbor Note songs (thumbs on neighboring keys).  The C Pentascale is introduced halfway through the first level, Level 1A, just before staff reading is introduced.

Notation: Staff Reading Introduced Halfway Through Level 1A

Again, notation in the Alfred Premier Piano Course Level 1A books is similar to Faber Piano Adventures.  Off-staff notation leads the student through the first half of the book, before staff reading is introduced.  

The way in which notes on the staff are introduced one by one is similar to Piano Adventures, but the songs in the second half of the Level 1A books of the Premier Piano Course are more challenging in that they require students to try all sorts of different hand positions before settling back into the C Pentascale, Middle C Position, and variations on the Middle C Position.

Theory: Separate theory workbook for each level + notespeller books

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course also offers a separate theory book for each level.  The theory books offer a variety of assignments.  Some are writing assignments, while some are ear training activities.  

The Theory Book in the Premier Piano Course includes a theory assignment to correlate with every Lesson Book page, whereas the Faber Piano Adventures’ Theory Book gives students a break now and then to catch up.

A dedicated notespeller book is also available for each level.

Technique: Big on Technique, a steady stream of technical challenges

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course offers a separate technique book for each level.  The technique books are mostly very short (usually one-line) etudes focusing on a specific skill.  

Artistic Etudes are also included, similar to the Artistry pieces in the Faber Technique & Artistry books.  

Comparing the Alfred Premier Piano Course to the Faber Piano Adventures series, I consider Premier Piano Course’s focus on technique to be a bit more intense. 

Levels/Path: 8 Levels / Focus on Jazz & Classical

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course offers the following levels:

• Level 1A
• Level 1B
• Level 2A
• Level 2B
• Level 3
• Level 4
• Level 5
• Level 6

Students end the series at a late intermediate level, with a focus on classical technique and literature, and jazz styles.

Aesthetics: Softer watercolor pencil drawings, more technical (less lyrics)

Like the Piano Adventures series, Alfred’s Premier Piano Course boasts bold colored covers that excite students to graduate to the next “color.”  

Flipping through the pages, you might not be wow-ed by the colors or characters, but the illustrations are well-done and pleasant to look at if you like the soft, hand drawn style.

Song Selections: Once into the 1B Level and beyond, songs have captivating lyrics and performance-worthy songs

The songs in Level 1A are fairly basic, and that is to be expected in a first level book.  There are a couple of familiar tunes, but for the most part the songs are typical, functional teaching songs.

Starting in Level 1B and beyond, the songs in all of Alfred’s Premier Piano Course’s books really shine!  These are exceptionally performance-worthy songs written by a team of very talented composers. 

Supplementary books are also available in Alfred’s Premier Piano Course. There aren’t as many choices as Faber, but the one’s that are available are expertly composed/edited.

Pricing: Average

At retail price, each book in Alfred’s Premier Piano Course is priced at around $10 each for the four core Level 1A books. Check prices on Amazon.

There are retailers that offer discounted prices. See my full Alfred’s Premier Piano Course Review for links.

Availability: 10/10

Alfred’s Premier Piano Course is a very popular piano method book series and is readily available wherever music books are sold! 

Piano Method Book Series #3: Wunderkeys

For a full, in-depth look into Wunderkeys, check out this dedicated review post.

Here, we’ll take a overhead view of the piano method book series using the 10 categories.

Pacing: Slow Pace

Compared to other piano method books on the market, Wunderkeys Primer series moves slower through the concepts and skills. 

For the right student, the Wunderkeys piano method books can be a wonderful fit that helps them retain and review new skills and concepts.

Positions: Middle C Position for all of Book 1, C Scale for all of Book 2 and Book 3

The Wunderkeys piano method book series is unique in that it keeps students in one hand position for long periods of time. Primer Book 1 stays in Middle C Position, and C Pentascale is used for all of Primer Books 2 and 3.

Move and Groove” pages, where one hand is “out of position,” are included in the Primer and Elementary Level books.

Wunderkeys is great for a student who is really thrown off by different positions.  Some students are better served staying in one position until they are ready to move on.

Notation: Staff Reading Introduced Halfway Through Book 1; unique approach

Much like other piano method books, Wunderkeys Primer Book 1 starts with off-staff notation.  Reading notes on the staff is introduced halfway through Book 1.

Wunderkeys does take a different approach to reading notes on the staff for beginners.  This series focuses intensely on recognition and review of any new notes introduced. 

For more on this, check out the full Wunderkeys Review.

Theory: No dedicated theory book to go with the series, mini writing assignments in each unit; separate writing workbooks available by the same author

Although there isn’t an official Wunderkeys theory book, very brief writing assignments and listening games are written in the main book.  Each unit includes a couple of very brief identifying or drawing instructions.

The author does publish a couple of writing workbooks which could be used as a workbook book alongside the main lesson book.

Additionally, there are worksheets available on the Wunderkeys website. 

Technique: No dedicated technique book to go with the series, mini technique assignments in each unit

The Wunderkeys piano method books are highly unique in their approach.  In summary (in my opinion)…

• Wunderkeys Primer Level books focus intensively on note recognition to the detriment of technical skills.  
• Wunderkeys Elementary Level 1A and 1B focus fairly equally on note recognition and technical skills.
• Wunderkeys Elementary Level 2A into the Intermediate Pop Studio For Piano books focus intensively on scales, chords and pop/modern piano technique, perhaps to the detriment of theory.

I go into this in more detail in the Wunderkeys Review post.

Levels/Path: 10 Levels / Modern

The Wunderkeys piano method series offers the following levels:

• Primer Book 1
• Primer Book 2
• Primer Book 3
• Elementary Piano Book 1A
• Elementary Piano Book 1B
• Elementary Piano Book 2A
• Elementary Piano Book 2B
• Gap in Method Series
• Intermediate Pop Studies For Piano 1
• Intermediate Pop Studies For Piano 2
• Intermediate Pop Studies For Piano 3

Students end the series at an intermediate level, well-adept at playing in pop/modern piano styles almost exclusively.

Aesthetics: Amazing characters; one-of-a-kind comics; silly games

The pages of the Wunderkeys Primer books have a very different aesthetic than any other piano method book series. A uniquely bold, colorful design makes the pages come to life.

The Primer books are filled with comics and games featuring lovable characters. The Elementary books also include comics.  Even the Intermediate books are colorful.

Song Selections: Leave much to be desired, but kids love the stories and characters so much they hardly notice (Supplemental songs are a little better)

The songs in Wunderkeys Primer and early Elementary Level books are very short, generic and not much to listen to. Supplementary books feature songs that are catchier and more interesting sounding.

In the later Elementary Level books and Intermediate books, Andrea Dow’s composition style shines through with performance-worthy modern piano style pieces.

Pricing: Higher per Book

Although single Wunderkeys books run a little higher than other method books, they are marketed as as an all-in-one book. Check Wunderkeys prices on Amazon.

You could purchase just the Wunderkeys book or add one or two supplementary books.

Availability: Amazon Only

Wunderkeys piano method books are only available on Amazon.com.  

My Recommendation

If you are able to do so, here is what I would do as a new piano teacher exploring the best piano method books for my beginning piano students:

1. Order the following books:
   1. Faber Piano Adventures Primer Level Lesson Book
   2. Faber Piano Adventures Primer Level Theory Book
   3. Alfred Premier Piano Course Level 1A Lesson Book
   4. Alfred Premier Piano Course Level 1A Theory Book
   5. Wunderkeys Primer Book 1
2. Play through all of the songs.
3. Imagine yourself teaching the new concepts on each page.
4. Thumb through the theory books.
5. Pick the series you like best for your student.
6. Dive in and switch later if needed!

The great thing about this plan is you can’t go wrong.  These three series are all great and I use them all.  If you find the pacing to be off for your student, it is very possible to transition to a different series after level 1, or even mid-level.

Read on

Check out the three dedicated review posts for each piano method book series for more details:

• Faber Piano Adventures for Beginners: Does It Live Up to the Hype?
• Alfred’s Premier Piano Course For Beginners: Would You Switch?
• Wunderkeys For Beginners: A Unique Approach