Great books for beginner pianists

Often times, it can confusing to make a decision on which method would be most suitable use with your new student. Here are a few of my most favorite books and why I like them.

Pageants for Piano, by Donald Waxman

This book is just awesome for the first lessons. I love this method book! I found that this one is suitable for children that are about 4-6 years old.

It immediately introduces notes written the staff in small increments, and teaches basic counting. It is great to get kids to read notes straight from the get-go, because it prevents problems and mental blocks later on.

John Thompson's Modern Course for the Piano

This is another good method for young children. (6-9 year olds). Teaches simple right hand melodies with left hand chord-like accompaniments. I likBy the end of this book, the student has an understanding of dynamics, phrasings, both staves, most note values.

Faber's Piano Adventures

Faber is wonderful. It has many levels for different ages of students; also, there are many books for just one level. This book can be used for students who are from6-12 years old.

The songs that are in this series are really fun and recognizable; students love the repertoire that this book gives. Excellent for recitals and performances!

Intricate notations are taught in this book, but they are expertly presented in a way that the young minds can understand.

The Suzuki Piano School

I like to use this book for older students; ones who are about 11-15 years old. This book can be used for younger children as well, but after book one the reading gets complicated; so the student is more likely learning by ear.

I really enjoy how this book introduces music from the classical literature by beloved composers. This prompts more discussion in the lessons (stylistic things, ect). The music is phrased, has good fingering, and has dynamics written in. Suzuki is a good segue into more a complicated, "grown up" reptoire list.