8 Best Beginning Piano Books

Finding the best beginner piano or guitar book for kids or adults can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s important to choose a product that is not only educational but also enjoyable. Luckily, there are several great options on the market that cater to various skill levels and musical preferences. In this article, we will review and compare some of the top-rated piano and guitar books for beginners, highlighting their features, benefits, and limitations.

For years, piano and guitar instruction books have provided aspiring musicians with a solid foundation to build upon. These books have evolved over time, incorporating new teaching methods and technologies to enhance the learning experience. Today, many beginner books come with online video and audio support, making it easier than ever for learners to follow along with the lessons and practice effectively.

Owning a beginner piano or guitar book offers numerous benefits. It allows beginners to learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their own homes. Moreover, these books provide a systematic approach to learning, guiding students through step-by-step instructions and techniques. They also often include music theory and sight reading exercises, which are essential skills for any aspiring musician. Additionally, some books even feature downloadable MP3s or streaming video lessons, providing additional resources and interactive learning opportunities.

Now, let’s explore in more detail each of the mentioned products in our article. Whether you’re searching for a piano book for kids, adult beginners, or even specific genres like Christmas songs or classical music by Bach and Beethoven, we will delve into the features, strengths, and potential drawbacks of each option.

Piano Books for Kids: Beginner’s Guide with Videos and Audio Support from Music Fun Books

The “Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids: With online video & audio support featuring step-by-step, easy to play piano method made simple for beginners (Piano Books by Music Fun Books)” is specifically designed for children who are just starting their journey into learning the piano. It provides a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning, making it a great choice for young beginners.

We highly recommend this piano book for kids due to its innovative approach to teaching and the additional online resources it offers. It not only includes step-by-step instructions but also provides online video and audio support, making it easier for kids to follow along and practice independently. The combination of visual and auditory aids ensures a more enjoyable learning experience for children, keeping them motivated and engaged.

This piano book aims to simplify the learning process for children by breaking down complex concepts into manageable and easy-to-understand lessons. It focuses on teaching basic techniques, including finger placement, note reading, and simple melodies, gradually progressing to more advanced skills. With colorful illustrations and interactive exercises, the book encourages a hands-on approach to learning, allowing children to explore the joy of playing the piano from the very beginning.

The key features of this piano book include:

1. Step-by-step instructions: The book provides clear instructions that guide children through each lesson, ensuring they understand the concepts before moving on.
2. Online video and audio support: The inclusion of online videos and audio recordings enhances the learning experience by providing visual and auditory demonstrations.
3. Easy-to-play method: The simplified approach to learning makes it accessible for young beginners, enabling them to play familiar tunes from the start.
4. Engaging exercises and activities: The book includes interactive exercises and fun activities to reinforce learning and keep children motivated.

The “Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids” is of exceptional quality, offering a well-rounded learning experience tailored to young beginners. The combination of traditional teaching methods with interactive online resources makes it a standout choice for kids embarking on their piano journey. Its well-designed layout, vibrant illustrations, and comprehensive lessons contribute to its overall high quality.

Pros:

• Online video and audio support enhance learning.
• Simplified method for ease of understanding.
• Engaging exercises and activities.
• Colorful illustrations and vibrant layout.

Cons:

• Limited availability of physical copies.

The “Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids” provides a highly effective and enjoyable learning experience. Its combination of printed material and online resources makes it an ideal choice for young beginners, setting them on the path to becoming proficient piano players.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Learn to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Includes Book & Streaming Video Lessons)

This piano book is designed for adult beginners who want to learn how to play famous piano songs, read music, understand music theory, and develop proper piano techniques. It is suitable for those who have little to no prior knowledge or experience in playing the piano.

We appreciate this piano book for its comprehensive approach to teaching adult beginners. It not only focuses on teaching how to play famous piano songs, but it also incorporates essential aspects such as reading music, understanding music theory, and building proper piano techniques. The inclusion of streaming video lessons further enhances the learning experience, allowing users to visually grasp the concepts and techniques demonstrated by experienced piano instructors.

The purpose of this piano book is to provide adult beginners with a solid foundation in playing the piano. It aims to teach them how to read sheet music, understand music theory concepts, and develop proper piano techniques that will enable them to play famous piano songs. Key features of this product include clear explanations of music theory, step-by-step instructions for playing each song, practice exercises, and streaming video lessons that provide visual demonstrations and guidance.

This piano book is highly regarded for its overall quality. It is well-structured and organized, making it easy for adult beginners to follow along and progress in their piano skills. The instructions are clear, concise, and beginner-friendly, ensuring that users can grasp the concepts and techniques effectively. The inclusion of streaming video lessons is a valuable addition that enhances the learning experience, making it more interactive and engaging.

• Comprehensive approach to teaching piano for adult beginners

• Covers famous piano songs, sheet music reading, music theory, and technique development

• Streaming video lessons provide visual demonstrations and guidance

• Beginner-friendly instructions and clear explanations

• Well-structured and organized content

• Some users may find the pace of the lessons too slow or too fast

• Limited variety of songs included

Beginner Guitar Book for Kids: Easy Learn to Play Method for Young Students and Children of All Ages with Essential Techniques and More

The “Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids: Easy learn how to play guitar method made simple for beginner students and children of all ages with essential … and more (Guitar Books by Music Fun Books) Paperback – July 14, 2021” is specifically designed for young beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar. It is an excellent resource for children of all ages, as well as beginner students who need a simplified and enjoyable learning method.

One of the main reasons we like this product is because of its simplicity and child-friendly approach. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and engaging exercises that help keep young learners motivated and excited about playing the guitar. Additionally, the step-by-step instructions and clear explanations make it easy for kids to follow along and progress at their own pace.

The purpose of the “Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids” is to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly introduction to playing the guitar for young beginners. Key features of this book include:

• Colorful illustrations: The book is filled with vibrant and eye-catching illustrations that appeal to children and make the learning experience more enjoyable.
• Simplified instructions: The instructions are written in a clear and concise manner, ensuring that young learners can easily understand and follow along.
• Fun exercises: The book includes a variety of fun exercises and activities that help develop fundamental guitar skills while keeping kids engaged.
• Essential chords and techniques: The book covers essential chords and techniques that lay the foundation for future guitar playing.

The “Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids” stands out for its high-quality content and presentation. From the durable paperback cover to the well-structured lessons, everything about this book exudes quality. The illustrations and layout are visually appealing, making it easy for children to navigate the pages and stay focused on their learning journey.

Pros:

• Engaging and child-friendly approach
• Colorful illustrations that capture kids’ attention
• Clear instructions and explanations
• Fun exercises and activities
• Covers essential chords and techniques

Cons:

• Limited content for more advanced learners
• Some may prefer a digital version for convenience

The “Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids” is a top choice for young beginners looking to embark on their guitar playing journey. Its user-friendly approach, engaging content, and high-quality construction make it a valuable resource for children of all ages and beginner students.

Christmas Song Book for Beginner Pianists with MP3 Downloads

A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s is primarily designed for beginners who want to learn and play Christmas songs on the piano.

We like this product because it offers a perfect introduction to playing the piano for beginners, while also providing a festive selection of beloved Christmas songs. With its user-friendly format and downloadable MP3s, it makes learning and playing the piano a fun and enjoyable experience during the holiday season.

This book aims to introduce beginners to playing the piano by providing a collection of popular Christmas songs. It includes simple arrangements, with the melody presented in the right hand and basic left-hand accompaniments. The book also features chord symbols above the staff, allowing more advanced players to add their own harmonizations if desired.

Key features of A First Book of Christmas Songs include:

• A wide variety of Christmas classics, including “Jingle Bells,” “Silent Night,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
• Downloadable MP3s that provide recordings of each song, allowing beginners to hear how the pieces should sound.
• Large, easy-to-read notation with fingerings for both hands.
• Chord symbols for more advanced players who want to add their own arrangements.
• Durable and lightweight paperback format that is easy to carry and use.

The overall quality of A First Book of Christmas Songs is exceptional. The arrangements are well-crafted and accessible for beginners, while also capturing the essence of each Christmas song. The inclusion of downloadable MP3s enhances the learning experience, making it easier for beginners to understand the proper rhythm, tempo, and expression of each piece.

Pros:

• User-friendly format with large notation and fingerings.
• Downloadable MP3s provide helpful audio guidance.
• Offers a variety of beloved Christmas songs for beginners.
• Chord symbols allow for personal interpretation and creative arrangements.

Cons:

• May be too basic for more advanced pianists seeking more challenging repertoire.
• Only focuses on Christmas songs, limiting its usefulness for other occasions or genres.

A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s is a fantastic choice for beginners who want to learn and play Christmas songs on the piano. Its accessibility, festive selection of songs, and additional audio support make it an excellent resource for aspiring pianists during the holiday season.

KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults Beginner Book

• Engaging Lessons: The lessons in this book are designed to be entertaining and enjoyable for adult learners. The material is well-paced and provides a good balance between theory and practical exercises.

• Comprehensive Theory: The theory section covers essential concepts such as note reading, rhythm, scales, and chords. These concepts are presented in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for beginners to understand.

• Technique Exercises: The book includes a variety of technic exercises to help learners develop finger dexterity, hand coordination, and control. These exercises are designed to improve technique gradually, ensuring a solid foundation for further progress.

• Sight-Reading Practice: The sight-reading exercises in this book are aimed at improving the ability to read music fluently and accurately. The pieces selected for sight-reading are carefully graded to match the difficulty level of each lesson.

• Engaging and user-friendly lessons

• Comprehensive theory and technique exercises

• Well-sequenced material for progressive learning

• Convenient spiral-bound format

• Some users may find the song selections in the book to be limited

The KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults, 1 Book Only is an excellent choice for adult beginners who want a comprehensive and enjoyable piano learning experience.

Star Wars Piano Solos for Beginners Paperback – December 1, 2012

The Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is designed for beginner pianists who are also Star Wars enthusiasts. This book offers simplified arrangements of popular Star Wars themes, allowing new musicians to easily learn and play their favorite melodies.

The Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is a fantastic choice for young beginners who are eager to play iconic Star Wars music on the piano. It provides a fun and engaging way to introduce beginners to the world of piano playing while fueling their passion for the epic Star Wars saga.

The primary purpose of the Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is to make learning the piano enjoyable for aspiring musicians who are fans of the Star Wars franchise. This book contains simplified arrangements of famous Star Wars melodies, including the main theme, the Imperial March, and more.

The key features of this book are its easy-to-understand sheet music, which includes helpful finger positioning markings, and the selection of recognizable Star Wars songs. The arrangements are simplified for beginners, with a focus on maintaining the essence of the original compositions while making them accessible to novice pianists.

The Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is well-crafted and well-suited for its target audience. The arrangements are accurate and capture the essence of the original melodies. The book is made of high-quality materials, ensuring its durability for continued use.

• Simplified arrangements suitable for beginners

• Includes iconic Star Wars themes

• Easy-to-understand sheet music with finger positioning markings

• High-quality materials for durability

• Limited selection of songs

• May be too easy for more advanced pianists

The Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is an excellent choice for beginner pianists who are also fans of the Star Wars franchise. With its simplified arrangements and iconic Star Wars themes, it offers an entertaining and accessible way for beginners to learn and play their favorite music on the piano.

Bach: Beginner’s Piano Book with MP3 Downloads (Dover Classical Piano Music for Beginners) – Paperback

• Introduction to Bach’s compositions

• Simplified arrangements for beginners

• Downloadable MP3s for enhanced learning experience

• Limited selection of pieces (may not include all of Bach’s famous works)

• Some learners may prefer a more comprehensive learning resource with additional instructional content.

A First Book of Bach is a fantastic choice for beginner pianists who want to dive into the beautiful world of Bach’s music. With its simplified arrangements and downloadable MP3s, this book provides an excellent foundation for learning and playing Bach’s compositions. While it may not include all of Bach’s famous works, its overall quality and the inclusion of valuable learning resources make it a highly recommended addition to any beginner pianist’s library.

Beethoven: First Book for Beginners – Piano Music with MP3s (Dover Classical Piano)

The primary use of “A First Book of Beethoven: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s” is to introduce beginners to the works of Beethoven and help them develop their piano-playing skills. This book is specifically designed for those who are just starting out with the piano and have a keen interest in classical music.

We like “A First Book of Beethoven” because it offers a unique approach to learning the piano. Not only does it provide sheet music for popular Beethoven compositions, but it also includes downloadable MP3s that allow beginners to hear the proper rhythm and melody. This audio component can be incredibly beneficial for those who are still developing their musical ear.

The purpose of “A First Book of Beethoven” is to introduce beginners to one of the greatest composers in history and help them develop their piano skills. It contains simplified piano arrangements of some of Beethoven’s most recognizable works, including “Für Elise” and the famous “Ode to Joy.” With the downloadable MP3s, beginners can listen to the correct interpretation of the pieces, which can greatly aid in their learning process.

Key features of this book include easy-to-read sheet music, fingerings and hand positions for each piece, simplified arrangements that are suitable for beginners, and the downloadable MP3s that provide a reference for sound. The combination of visual and auditory learning can help beginners improve their playing skills more effectively.

The overall quality of “A First Book of Beethoven” is exceptional. The book is well-designed with clear and concise music notation. The downloadable MP3s ensure that beginners can hear the correct interpretation of each piece, which is invaluable for developing musicality. The simplified arrangements are perfect for those who are just starting out, allowing them to gradually build their skills and confidence.

Pros of “A First Book of Beethoven” include the inclusion of downloadable MP3s, which help beginners develop their musical ear, and the simplified arrangements that make it accessible to those with little to no piano experience.

A potential drawback of this book is that it focuses exclusively on Beethoven’s works, so those looking for a broader range of repertoire may need to supplement their learning with additional materials.

Comparison of Piano and Guitar Books for Beginners

Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids: With online video & audio support featuring step-by-step, easy to play piano method made simple for beginners (Piano Books by Music Fun Books)

The Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids by Music Fun Books is designed to make learning the piano a fun and interactive experience for young beginners. With online video and audio support, this book provides step-by-step instructions and easy-to-play methods that enable children to learn at their own pace. The book’s simple approach and engaging content make it an excellent choice for young aspiring pianists.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners: Teach Yourself How to Play Famous Piano Songs, Read Music, Theory & Technique (Book & Streaming Video Lessons)

For adult beginners who are looking to teach themselves how to play the piano, the Piano Book for Adult Beginners offers a comprehensive guide. It includes famous piano songs, as well as instruction on reading music, understanding music theory, and developing proper technique. With streaming video lessons, this book provides a convenient and effective way for adults to learn and master the piano.

Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids: Easy learn how to play guitar method made simple for beginner students and children of all ages with essential … and more (Guitar Books by Music Fun Books)

The Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids by Music Fun Books is specifically designed to introduce children of all ages to the guitar. The book offers an easy and simplified method for learning how to play the guitar, providing essential techniques and more. With its kid-friendly approach, this book is perfect for young beginners who want to embark on their musical journey with the guitar.

A First Book of Christmas Songs: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners)

A First Book of Christmas Songs is a fantastic option for beginning pianists who want to learn some popular Christmas songs. This book includes downloadable MP3s that allow beginners to play along with the recorded music, enhancing their learning experience. With its focus on classical piano music for beginners, this book provides a delightful collection of Christmas songs to enjoy and practice.

KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults, 1 Book Only: A Beginning Course: Lessons, Theory, Technic, Sight Reading

Bastien Piano for Adults is a comprehensive book that offers a beginning course for adults who are new to playing the piano. It covers various aspects of piano playing, including lessons, theory, technique, and sight reading. This book provides a solid foundation for adult beginners and guides them through the process of learning to play the piano effectively.

Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo

For fans of the iconic Star Wars franchise who are beginning pianists, the Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo book is a must-have. This book features simplified arrangements of popular Star Wars songs, allowing beginners to play their favorite music from the series. With its engaging content, this book is sure to capture the hearts of Star Wars enthusiasts who are just starting their musical journey on the piano.

A First Book of Bach: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners)

A First Book of Bach is a wonderful introduction to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach for beginning pianists. This book includes downloadable MP3s that enable beginners to listen and play along with Bach’s compositions. With its focus on classical piano music for beginners, this book presents a selection of Bach’s works that are approachable and enjoyable for aspiring pianists.

A First Book of Beethoven: For The Beginning Pianist with Downloadable MP3s (Dover Classical Piano Music For Beginners)

A First Book of Beethoven provides a fantastic opportunity for beginning pianists to explore the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. This book includes downloadable MP3s that allow beginners to listen and play along with Beethoven’s compositions. With its emphasis on classical piano music for beginners, this book serves as an excellent introduction to Beethoven’s iconic works.

Specifications

Here is a table summarizing the specifications of the eight piano and guitar books for beginners:

Book Title	Format	Features	Age Recommendations
Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids	Paperback	Online video & audio support, step-by-step instructions, easy-to-play piano method	Kids
Piano Book for Adult Beginners	Paperback	Streaming video lessons, famous piano songs, music reading and theory instruction, technique development	Adults
Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids	Paperback	Easy learn how to play guitar method, essential techniques, suitable for beginner students and children of all ages	Kids
A First Book of Christmas Songs	Paperback	Downloadable MP3s, classical piano music for beginners, popular Christmas songs	Beginners
KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults	Spiral-bound	Lessons, theory, technic, sight reading, comprehensive beginning course	Adults
Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo	Paperback	Simplified arrangements of popular Star Wars songs, suitable for beginners	Beginners
A First Book of Bach	Paperback	Downloadable MP3s, classical piano music for beginners, introduction to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music	Beginners
A First Book of Beethoven	Paperback	Downloadable MP3s, classical piano music for beginners, introduction to Ludwig van Beethoven’s music	Beginners

These specifications provide a comprehensive overview of the features and target audience for each book, helping potential buyers make an informed decision based on their specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion:

After reviewing all 8 products, it is clear that there are options available for both beginners and more advanced learners looking to enhance their piano or guitar skills. Each book offers a unique approach and features that cater to different learning styles.

Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids:

The “Best Beginning Piano Book for Kids” by Music Fun Books stands out for its online video and audio support, making it a great choice for young learners. The step-by-step, easy-to-play method simplifies the learning process and ensures that kids can have fun while learning to play the piano.

Piano Book for Adult Beginners:

For adult beginners, the “Piano Book for Adult Beginners” by Music Fun Books is highly recommended. This book not only teaches how to play famous piano songs but also covers music theory, reading sheet music, and developing proper technique. The inclusion of streaming video lessons provides additional guidance for self-learning.

Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids:

If your child is interested in learning guitar, the “Best Beginning Guitar Book for Kids” by Music Fun Books is an excellent choice. This book offers an easy-to-learn method that caters to beginner students of all ages. With essential techniques and more, it provides a solid foundation for young guitarists.

A First Book of Christmas Songs:

“A First Book of Christmas Songs” by Dover Classical Piano Music is a great resource for beginners during the holiday season. With downloadable MP3s, beginner pianists can easily follow along and learn to play popular Christmas songs. This book is perfect for those looking to get into the festive spirit.

KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults:

For adults seeking a comprehensive course in piano, the “KP1B – Bastien Piano for Adults” is recommended. This book covers lessons, theory, technic, and sight-reading, providing a well-rounded learning experience for adult learners. The spiral-bound format makes it easy to use during practice sessions.

Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo:

For fans of the Star Wars franchise, “Star Wars For Beginning Piano Solo” is a must-have. This book offers arrangements of popular Star Wars music specially tailored for beginner pianists. It allows fans to play their favorite melodies from the iconic series.

A First Book of Bach:

“A First Book of Bach” by Dover Classical Piano Music is an ideal choice for beginner pianists interested in classical music. Featuring downloadable MP3s, this book introduces beginner-friendly arrangements of Bach’s compositions. It provides a great introduction to the works of a renowned composer.

A First Book of Beethoven:

Similar to “A First Book of Bach,” “A First Book of Beethoven” by Dover Classical Piano Music offers beginner pianists an opportunity to explore the works of Beethoven. With downloadable MP3s, this book allows learners to experience the beauty of Beethoven’s music from the beginning.

While all the reviewed products have their merits, it is important for readers to consider their own preferences, skill levels, and musical interests before making a final decision. It is recommended that beginners start with the appropriate age group or skill level to ensure the best learning experience.

Whether you are a child, adult, fan of classical music, or Star Wars enthusiast, there is a piano or guitar book that can suit your needs. With the right book and dedication to practice, anyone can embark on a fulfilling musical journey. Happy playing!