The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart [Free PDF]

Looking for a comprehensive piano method comparison chart? I have just what you need! And I’m giving it away for free. Read on, Pianopreneur!

The Great Search for a Piano Method Comparison Chart

As a piano teacher, I have been on the lookout for a comparison chart that will help me compare different piano method series without having to actually buy the whole series! Let me tell you–there is not much out there!

Sure, various publishers will share a “transfer guide” or a comparison chart within a series, but finding a comprehensive, multi-publisher chart is nearly impossible.

For years I have been connecting the dots on my own through my own internet research, trial and error, personal teaching experience, and advice from other teachers. And then it occurred to me…

Why don’t I make my OWN piano method comparison chart?!

So that is exactly what I did. And I would love to share it with the world in the hopes that other piano teachers will find it an invaluable time-saving, money-saving resource.

What is a Piano Method Comparison Chart?

A piano method comparison chart is a visual comparison tool that shows how the levels or books in one piano method book series compare to the levels or books in a different piano method book series.

For example, my chart shows that Faber Piano Adventures Primer Level books are similar in concepts and difficulty to Alfred’s Premier Piano Course Book 1A.

Who Needs a Piano Method Comparison Chart?

You might need a piano method comparison chart if you are a:

• Piano Teachers
• Piano Students
• Parents of Piano Students
• Print Music Retailers who stock piano method books
• Anyone curious about piano methods

What Can You Do With a Piano Method Comparison Chart?

Armed with a piano method comparison chart, you can:

• Research piano method options as a brand new piano teacher or student
• See what other piano method books compare to your current books
• Switch piano methods: find an equivalent level in a different piano method book series
• Switch piano methods: find a more challenging level in a different piano method book series
• Switch piano methods: find an easier level in a different piano method book series
• Switch piano methods: find the next logical level in a different piano method book series if you are just finishing your current level
• Expand on your current piano method books by adding comparable supplemental books from a different series
• Research piano method book series for different ages of piano students
• Learn about new piano music authors and publishers
• Just see what’s out there

Just Give Me the Piano Method Comparison Chart Already!

You know those recipe blog pages where you have to scroll and scroll through the author’s entire life story to get to what you want? I certainly don’t want to keep you waiting any longer…

So, here you go!

In order to receive The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart, please enter your email address and I will send it to you right away!

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Using the Piano Method Comparison Chart

Disclaimer for The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart

Disclaimer:

Please do your own research regarding purchase decisions for piano method books. The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart is based on my own opinions, research, and experience, but it is not intended as factual documentation, nor does it represent the publisher or author’s opinions, suggestions, or intent.

This chart is intended as a starting point for your own research. While I have done my very best to ensure these comparisons are as accurate as possible, it is impossible to directly compare many piano method books as different authors take different approaches in their introduction of concepts.

Once again, please do your own research before purchasing any piano method books based on this information. If you should happen to find any errors in this chart or have any questions, please contact me directly.

Instructions for Comparing Piano Method Book Series using The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart

By subdividing each difficulty level, a more accurate comparison can be made between piano method book series.

The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart uses the following Levels:

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

These are the piano method book series covered by The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart (click any link to shop on Amazon):

• Faber Piano Adventures (read my full review)
• My First Piano Adventures (read my full review)
• Piano Adventures Accelerated
• Piano Adventures Adult All-in-One
• Alfred’s Premier Piano Course (read my full review)
• Alfred’s Basic Prep Course
• Alfred’s Basic Piano Library
• Wunderkeys (including Wunderkeys For Preschoolers, Wunderkeys Primer, Wunderkeys Elementary, and Wunderkeys Intermediate) (read my full review)
• Piano Safari
• Bastien Piano Basics
• Piano Pronto
• Music Tree
• Hal Leonard Student Piano Library (HLSPL)
• Carol Matz Interactive Piano Method
• Lang Lang Piano Method
• Piano Made Fun For the Young (read my full review)
• National Federation of Music Clubs Audition List (NFMC Auditions)
• Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Celebration Series
• Royal Conservatory of Music Exam Levels (RCM Exam)
• Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Exam Levels (ABRSM Exam)

While I know there are more piano method books out there, I hope this comprehensive comparison chart will help you with the most popular series on the market. If you would like to see a specific series added to the chart in the future, please contact me directly. If I get enough requests, I will update the chart over time.

Instructions for Shopping For Piano Method Books using the Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart

If viewing the pdf on a computer, laptop, or device, you may click the title of any piano method book series to be directed to their website to further research.

Instructions for Printing the Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart

Before using or printing The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart, please read the Terms of Use page included in the free download.

To print The Ultimate Piano Method Comparison Chart, simply click PRINT in the upper righthand corner of the screen and select Print Only Pages 1-2 to avoid printing the Terms of Use page.

What’s Next?

This piano method comparison chart is exhaustive! It’s hard to know where to begin.

If you are curious which piano method books I personally use in my studio, which are my favorite, and the one I pull off the shelf most often, check out this blog post for my personal TOP 3 PIANO METHOD BOOK PICKS.

And if you found a piano method book series you really like and you’re ready to buy, be sure to check out my blog post all about where I shop for piano method books to SAVE SOME MONEY.

If you’re a NEW piano teacher, check out my 30-day email challenge: Start Your Studio! Sign up here to receive 12 actionable steps to get your piano teaching business up and running.