8 Best Beginner Piano Books

Are you a beginner looking to learn how to play the piano? Or a parent searching for a piano book to help your child start their musical journey? Look no further! This article will review and compare a selection of piano books, keyboards, and digital pianos that are perfect for beginners. Whether you prefer physical books or online video lessons, there is something for everyone.

For many years, piano books have been a popular resource for beginners. They provide a structured approach to learning, covering everything from reading music to technique and theory. Some books even include famous piano songs, allowing beginners to learn and play their favorite tunes. The benefit of owning a piano book is the ability to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed. Additionally, they often come with accompanying online video lessons that provide visual demonstrations and further enhance the learning experience.

If you prefer a more interactive approach, keyboards and digital pianos can be a fantastic option. These instruments typically come with built-in speakers, allowing you to start playing right away. Keyboards often include additional accessories such as a stand, bench, headphones, and microphone, making it a comprehensive package for beginners. Digital pianos take it a step further with their weighted keys that mimic the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. They also offer a wide range of sounds and music lessons to explore.

In this article, we will delve into the details of each product, comparing their features, prices, and customer reviews. Whether you choose a traditional piano book or a modern keyboard or digital piano, you’ll find the right tool to kickstart your pianistic journey. So, let’s dive in and discover the perfect product for you or your loved ones!

Beginner’s Piano Book: Learn to Play Famous Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (with Video Lessons) Paperback – July 23, 2017

The Piano Book for Adult Beginners is primarily designed for adult learners who are starting to play the piano. It serves as a comprehensive guidebook that helps individuals teach themselves how to play famous piano songs, read sheet music, understand music theory, and improve their technique.

This beginner piano book stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in teaching adults how to play the piano. It covers a wide range of topics from basic music theory to more advanced techniques. It is well-structured and easy to follow, making it ideal for self-guided learning. The inclusion of streaming video lessons further enhances the learning experience and provides visual demonstrations for better understanding.

The purpose of the Piano Book for Adult Beginners is to enable adult learners to become proficient in playing the piano, even without prior musical experience. It aims to guide learners step-by-step through the fundamentals of music theory, reading sheet music, and developing proper technique.

Key features of this piano book include:

• Clear explanations and illustrations of important concepts
• Gradual progression of difficulty
• Popular songs to practice and apply the learned concepts
• Streaming video lessons for visual demonstrations and additional guidance

The Piano Book for Adult Beginners is highly regarded for its overall quality. It is well-written and designed to engage adult learners. The book is organized in a logical sequence that enables beginners to build a solid foundation before advancing to more challenging concepts. The streaming video lessons provide valuable support, giving learners a comprehensive learning experience.

• Suitable for self-guided learning

• Covers a wide range of topics, including music theory and technique

• Includes popular songs to practice

• Streaming video lessons for visual demonstrations

• May not be as suitable for absolute beginners with no musical background

• Some users reported that the pacing could be faster

The Piano Book for Adult Beginners is a top choice for adult learners who are eager to teach themselves how to play the piano. With its user-friendly approach, comprehensive content, and additional video lessons, this book makes the learning journey enjoyable and rewarding.

Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano for Beginners

The Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is designed specifically for beginners who are just starting their musical journey. It provides a comprehensive learning experience with its built-in music lessons and various features that enhance the learning process.

We like the Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano because it offers everything a beginner needs to get started on their piano journey. With its inclusive package that includes speakers, a stand, a bench, headphones, a microphone, a sheet music stand, and 300 different sounds, it provides beginners with all the tools necessary for practice and improvement.

The purpose of the Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is to make learning the piano enjoyable and accessible for beginners. Its key features include:

• 61 full-size keys: The keyboard provides a realistic playing experience with its full-size keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano.
• Built-in lessons: The product comes with 40 demo songs and 300 built-in sounds, allowing beginners to learn and play music right away.
• Multiple connectivity options: The keyboard has inputs for headphones, microphones, and external speakers, enabling users to practice privately or perform in front of an audience.
• Music stand: The included sheet music stand holds sheet music or tablet devices, making it convenient for beginners to follow along with their lessons or practice material.

The Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is a high-quality product that provides an excellent learning experience for beginners. The keys are responsive and provide a realistic piano-like touch, enabling users to develop proper technique and finger strength. The overall build quality is sturdy, ensuring that the keyboard will withstand regular use.

• Comprehensive package: The keyboard comes with all the accessories needed to get started, saving beginners the hassle of purchasing them separately.

• Easy to use: The product is user-friendly, making it ideal for beginners who are just starting their musical journey.

• Versatile sound options: With 300 different sounds, users can explore a variety of musical styles and genres.

• Limited functionality for advanced players: While the Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is perfect for beginners, it may not offer enough features or capabilities for more advanced players.

• Limited number of keys: With only 61 keys, users may eventually feel limited as they progress in their piano playing skills.

The Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano is an excellent choice for beginners looking to learn the piano. Its comprehensive package, versatile sound options, and user-friendly design make it a top pick for those starting out on their musical journey.

Piano Lessons for Kids: Book with Online Videos and Audios

The “Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book: with Online Video & Audio Access” is specifically designed for young children who are just starting their musical journey. It serves as an introductory tool to help them learn the basics of playing the piano.

We appreciate this beginner piano book for its interactive approach, making it engaging and enjoyable for kids. The inclusion of online video and audio access provides an additional layer of support, enabling children to learn and practice with ease. The book’s user-friendly format and colorful illustrations make it visually appealing, capturing the attention of young learners.

The purpose of the “Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book” is to introduce children to the world of piano playing. It aims to teach them fundamental music theory concepts, such as reading notes, rhythm, and hand positioning. The book gradually progresses from simple exercises to more complex pieces, ensuring a steady and comprehensive learning experience.

Key features of this beginner piano book include:

• Interactive online video and audio access: Children can watch video demonstrations and listen to audio recordings to enhance their understanding and practice.
• Step-by-step instructions: The book provides clear and concise instructions, guiding children through each lesson and exercise.
• Colorful illustrations: The vibrant illustrations make the learning process visually appealing and exciting for kids.
• Repertoire variety: The book includes a diverse selection of songs, allowing children to explore different genres and styles of music.
• Regular progress assessments: Throughout the book, there are exercises and quizzes to assess the child’s understanding and progress.

The “Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book” offers a high-quality learning experience for young beginners. Its well-structured lessons, combination of offline and online resources, and visually appealing design contribute to its overall value and effectiveness.

Pros:

• Interactive and engaging format with online video and audio access.
• Clear and easy-to-follow instructions.
• Colorful illustrations that capture children’s attention.
• Diverse repertoire to explore different genres of music.

Cons:

• The online resources may require reliable internet access, limiting accessibility for some users in certain areas.
• Children may require adult supervision to navigate the online resources effectively.

The “Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book: with Online Video & Audio Access” is an excellent choice for young children starting their piano learning journey. Its interactive approach, clear instructions, and vibrant illustrations make it an engaging and effective resource.

Beginner’s Piano Book: Learn to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)

The “Piano Book for Adult Beginners” is designed to teach adult learners how to play the piano from scratch. It is perfect for those who have always wanted to learn but never had the opportunity or for those who are looking to refresh their skills.

This piano book stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is specifically tailored for adult beginners, providing a comfortable and effective learning experience. Secondly, it not only focuses on teaching how to play famous piano songs but also covers essential music theory and technique, giving learners a well-rounded foundation.

The primary purpose of the “Piano Book for Adult Beginners” is to teach users how to play the piano. It accomplishes this by combining a comprehensive instructional book with access to streaming video lessons. These video lessons enhance the learning experience, allowing students to see and hear the techniques being taught.

Key features of this product include easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, engaging exercises and practice songs, and a progressive approach that builds upon previous lessons. The inclusion of streaming video lessons adds an interactive element, making it easier for learners to understand and replicate the techniques being taught.

The “Piano Book for Adult Beginners” is of excellent quality. The instructional content is well-structured and easy to follow, ensuring that even those with no prior musical experience can learn at their own pace. The combination of the book and streaming video lessons provides a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience that keeps learners motivated and engaged.

Pros:

• Tailored specifically for adult beginners
• Covers music theory and technique in addition to learning songs
• Access to streaming video lessons enhances the learning experience
• Easy-to-follow instructions and engaging exercises

Cons:

• Some users may prefer a physical DVD rather than streaming video lessons

Christmas Songs for Beginning Pianists with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music for Beginners)

The primary use of “A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners)” is to provide beginner pianists with a collection of Christmas songs that they can learn to play on the piano.

This piano book is a great choice for beginners who want to learn and play Christmas songs. It offers a variety of traditional Christmas songs to keep the holiday spirit alive while learning to play the piano.

The purpose of “A First Book of Christmas Songs” is to introduce beginner pianists to playing Christmas songs. The book includes a collection of easy-to-play arrangements of popular Christmas songs, such as “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Silent Night.”

One of the key features of this piano book is its downloadable MP3s, which allow beginners to listen to the songs to better understand how they should sound when played on the piano. This audio accompaniment can be a valuable learning tool for those who may struggle with reading sheet music or need assistance with timing and rhythm.

Additionally, the book is illustrated, making it visually appealing and engaging for beginner pianists. The illustrations can also help in understanding the emotions and story behind the songs, enhancing the overall playing experience.

The overall quality of “A First Book of Christmas Songs” is exceptional. The arrangements of the songs are well-suited for beginners, with simplified melodies and easy-to-read sheet music. The book also includes fingerings and chord symbols, providing further guidance for novice pianists.

The downloadable MP3s greatly enhance the learning experience, allowing beginners to listen and practice along with the recordings. The illustrations add an aesthetically pleasing element to the book and contribute to a more enjoyable and immersive learning process.

• Collection of popular Christmas songs

• Easy-to-play arrangements for beginners

• Downloadable MP3s for audio accompaniment

• Illustrated for visual appeal and engagement

• Limited to Christmas songs only

• May not include advanced arrangements for more experienced pianists

“A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners)” is a fantastic beginner piano book for those who want to learn and play Christmas songs. With its easy-to-play arrangements, downloadable MP3s, and visually appealing illustrations, it provides an enjoyable and effective learning experience for beginner pianists.

Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano

The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is an ideal instrument for beginners who are just starting their piano learning journey. It is designed with a contemporary and compact layout, making it perfect for smaller living spaces such as apartments or homes.

We appreciate the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano for its user-friendly features, which make it an excellent choice for beginners. Its 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys have a hammer action and ivory-feel texture, providing a realistic and nuanced playing experience. This feature encourages beginners to play with passion and helps them develop their musical voice.

The purpose of the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is to provide a high-quality and compact instrument for beginners to learn and practice piano. Key features of this digital piano include:

• Dynamic and Rich Sound: Equipped with sound samples from real acoustic grand pianos, the DDP-90 offers a realistic and dynamic sound experience. It has a 128 polyphony to accommodate fast trills playing, and its metal triple-pedal system ensures the quality of the player’s performance, adding a personal touch to their playing.

• Smaller Size, Compact Home Use: The DDP-90 is designed to fit well in smaller living spaces. Its smaller and lighter size does not compromise the sound quality. The piano also features an excellent flip cover with a slow closing function to protect the hands and the keyboard. Additionally, the headphone mode is suitable for late-night practice or when speakers are not ideal, allowing players to practice without disturbing others.

• Multiple Device Connecting: The DDP-90 offers various connectivity options, including USB-MP3 playing, PC/laptop/tablet/smartphone USB MIDI connecting for music app usage and recording, external sound support (requires connection to external speakers), and headphone use. These options provide flexibility and convenience for different playing and recording needs.

The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is known for its impressive overall quality. It has been meticulously designed and calibrated to ensure consistent and stable sound across different registers and dynamics. This digital piano offers a delicate, warm, and bright tonal character that allows players to better express musical details and emotions.

Some notable pros of the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano include:

• Compact and modern design
• Responsive weighted keys with hammer action and ivory-feel texture
• Dynamic and realistic sound quality
• Multiple device connectivity options

A potential con of this digital piano may be:

• Limited built-in sound amplification, may require external speakers for optimal sound performance.

Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons with Basic Music Theory: A Beginner to Advanced Step-by-Step Guide (Book & Streaming Video)

The “Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons with Elements of Basic Music Theory” book is designed as a comprehensive guide for beginners to advanced piano players who want to develop their skills in scales, chords, arpeggios, and basic music theory. It serves as a foundational resource for pianists looking to improve their technique and understanding of music theory.

This piano guide is well-structured and easy to follow, making it ideal for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of piano playing. The step-by-step approach ensures gradual progression, allowing users to build a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced concepts. The inclusion of streaming videos enhances the learning experience, providing visual demonstrations and further explanations of the concepts covered in the book.

The “Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons” book aims to teach beginners the fundamental elements of piano playing, such as scales, chords, and arpeggios, while also introducing basic music theory concepts. It covers a wide range of scales, including major, minor, pentatonic, blues, and chromatic scales, enabling students to explore various musical genres. The book also delves into chord progressions, inversions, and arpeggios, giving learners a solid foundation for improvisation and composition.

Key features of this book include clear explanations, detailed diagrams, and musical examples that help readers grasp the concepts easily. The inclusion of streaming videos allows users to see and hear the techniques being demonstrated, facilitating better comprehension and practice.

The “Piano Scales, Chords & Arpeggios Lessons” book is highly regarded for its comprehensive approach to teaching piano techniques and basic music theory. It offers a user-friendly learning experience, combining written explanations with visual demonstrations through streaming videos. The book’s well-organized structure and clear instructions ensure that players of all levels can benefit from its content.

Some of the pros of this book include its practical and accessible approach to piano learning, the inclusion of streaming videos for visual demonstrations, and the comprehensive coverage of scales, chords, and arpeggios. However, one potential drawback is that it may be more suitable for beginners or those in the early stages of piano playing, as more advanced players may require additional material to further enhance their skills.

Piano Basics for Adults: Theory and Practice – Large Print Paperback, October 29, 2022

For beginner piano players, the Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice is an excellent resource to start their musical journey. This book is specifically designed for adults who have little to no prior experience in playing the piano. Whether the aim is to learn for personal enjoyment or to eventually pursue advanced piano skills, this book is a comprehensive guide that covers both theory and practice.

We highly recommend the Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice because of its user-friendly approach. The book is written in simple language, making it easy for beginners to understand and follow along. With its large print, it ensures that learners can read the notes and instructions without any difficulty. Additionally, the book contains exercises and practice pieces that gradually develop the skills of the players, providing a well-rounded learning experience.

The purpose of the Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice is to guide beginner pianists in learning and understanding the fundamental concepts of piano playing. The book starts with the basics, such as finger positioning and hand placement, and gradually progresses to more advanced techniques and music theory. It also includes engaging exercises and popular practice pieces to keep learners motivated and interested.

Key features of this book include:

• Clear and concise explanations of piano concepts
• Visual aids to aid understanding
• Step-by-step instructions for each lesson
• Gradually increasing difficulty levels
• Large print for easy reading

The Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice stands out in terms of overall quality. The well-structured layout and large print make it accessible and enjoyable for adult learners. The book’s approach strikes a balance between theory and practice, ensuring learners gain a solid foundation in piano playing. Additionally, the inclusion of popular pieces allows learners to apply their newly acquired skills to music they enjoy.

Pros:

• Easy-to-understand explanations
• Visual aids for better understanding
• Gradual progression in difficulty levels
• Large print for easy reading

Cons:

• Limited focus on advanced techniques
• Lack of multimedia elements (e.g., accompanying CDs or online resources)

The Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice is a fantastic beginner piano book that caters specifically to adult learners. Its user-friendly approach, comprehensive content, and large print make it an excellent choice for those starting their musical journey on the piano.

Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano

The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is an 88-key weighted digital piano designed for modern living spaces. It has a contemporary and compact design, making it suitable for smaller apartments or homes. This piano is ideal for beginners starting their piano learning journey.

Specifications

• 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys
• Hammer action and ivory-feel texture for a realistic playing experience
• Quality sound samples from real acoustic grand pianos
• 128 polyphony for fast trills playing
• Metal triple-pedal system for enhanced playing quality
• Smaller size and compact design suitable for the Compact Family Room
• Flip cover with a slow closing function to protect hands and keyboard
• Headphone mode for practicing piano late at night or in noise-sensitive environments
• Multiple device connectivity options (USB-MP3, PC/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone USB MIDI, external sound support)
• Input AC: 100V-240V, Output DC: 12 3A, Adapter Transformer DC: 5.5mm x 2.2mm
• Meticulously designed and calibrated to enhance the tone of the piano
• Offers a delicate, warm, and bright tonal character

Table

Specification	Details
Number of Keys	88
Key Weighting	Hammer Action Weighted
Sound Samples	Real acoustic grand pianos
Polyphony	128
Triple-Pedal System	Metal
Size	Smaller and lighter than normal piano
Flip Cover	Yes
Headphone Mode	Yes
Connectivity Options	USB-MP3, PC/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone USB MIDI, external sound support
Input AC	100V-240V
Output DC	12 3A
Adapter Transformer	5.5mm x 2.2mm
Tonal Character	Delicate, warm, and bright

The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is a versatile and compact instrument designed for beginners. Its weighted keys, realistic sound samples, and multiple connectivity options make it a suitable choice for those starting their piano journey.

Conclusion

In summary, the review for the eight products mentioned can be divided into two categories.

Piano Books and Lessons

The “Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique” and “Beginner Piano Lessons for Kids Book: with Online Video & Audio Access” are excellent resources for those looking to learn the piano. Both books provide step-by-step instructions, sheet music, and streaming video lessons, making it easy for beginners to understand and practice. The inclusion of theory and technique lessons helps learners develop a strong foundation in piano playing.

On the other hand, “A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s” is specifically geared towards beginner pianists who want to learn Christmas songs. The book provides sheet music and downloadable MP3s, allowing learners to practice playing along with the recordings. This book is a great choice for those who want to get into the holiday spirit while improving their piano skills.

Keyboards and digital pianos

The “Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano for Beginners with Speakers, Stand, Bench, Headphones, Microphone, Sheet Music Stand, 300 Sounds and Music Lessons” offers a comprehensive package for beginners. It includes all the necessary accessories, such as headphones and a sheet music stand, making it convenient for beginners to start playing right away. The 300 sounds and music lessons provide a variety of options for learners to explore and improve their skills.

The “Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano, 88 Key Weighted Piano Keyboard for Beginner/Professional, Keyboard Piano W/Three Pedals” is a more advanced option for both beginners and professional pianists. The weighted keys and three pedals replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, providing a realistic playing experience. Additionally, the ability to connect to a PC, tablet, or cell phone allows for versatile music playing options.

Drawbacks and Recommendation

One common drawback among the books is the lack of large print versions, which may make it difficult for people with visual impairments to read the sheet music. Another drawback is the absence of beginner books specifically for adults.

Based on the reviews, the “Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice” stands out as a comprehensive option suitable for adults. With a focus on both theory and practice, this book caters specifically to adult learners. The large print version of the book also addresses the issue of readability for those with visual impairments.

In conclusion, for adult beginners looking for a comprehensive piano learning experience, “Complete Piano for Adult Beginners: Theory and Practice” is highly recommended. For those interested in Christmas songs, “A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s” is an excellent choice. And for beginners who prefer a keyboard or digital piano, the “Alesis Melody 61 Key Keyboard Piano for Beginners with Speakers, Stand, Bench, Headphones, Microphone, Sheet Music Stand, 300 Sounds and Music Lessons” and “Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano, 88 Key Weighted Piano Keyboard for Beginner/Professional, Keyboard Piano W/Three Pedals” are great options.