8 Best Piano Books

In today’s article, we will be reviewing and comparing a variety of products for piano enthusiasts and beginners. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, these products are designed to enhance your musical journey. Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of owning these items.

Pianos have a rich history and have been a staple in the music world for centuries. The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is a fantastic option for those seeking the feel and sound of a traditional piano, but with the convenience of modern technology. With 88 full-size weighted keys and a portable design, this electric piano offers an authentic playing experience with the added bonus of a furniture stand and 3-pedal unit.

For those looking for a collection of easy piano arrangements, “Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics: 83 Favorite Pieces” is a great choice. This book, accompanied by downloadable MP3 files, allows beginners to learn and practice beloved piano pieces at their own pace. Similarly, “100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever” provides a compilation of stunning piano compositions that can inspire and delight pianists of all skill levels.

If you’re a fan of film scores, “The Very Best of John Williams” is a paperback that features sheet music for some of John Williams’ most iconic compositions. From the magical melodies of Harry Potter to the epic themes of Star Wars, this collection allows you to recreate the music of one of the greatest film composers of all time.

On the other hand, if you’re interested in popular songs, “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs” is a valuable resource. This piano-vocal-guitar book provides sheet music for 50 beloved Disney songs, enabling you to perform your favorite tunes from the magical world of Disney.

Moving on to the Mustar brand, the Mustar Digital Piano with 88 weighted keys offers touch sensitivity and a portable design. With 2x25W stereo speakers and a sustain pedal, this piano is perfect for beginners looking to experiment with different sounds and expand their musical horizons. Additionally, the Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano provides a more compact option for those on the go, while still offering features like a piano stand, stool, headphones, and a microphone.

Lastly, for adult learners, “Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1: Timeless Hits and Popular Favorites” offers a curated collection of well-known songs that span different genres and eras. This paperback allows adult pianists to explore a range of musical styles while developing their playing skills.

In this article, we will delve further into each product, examining their features, pros, and cons. Whether you’re looking for a beginner-friendly digital piano, sheet music for your favorite songs, or a portable keyboard, we have you covered. Let’s uncover the perfect musical companion for your journey!

Donner DEP-20 Digital Piano 88 Key Full Size Weighted Keyboard with Stand and 3-Pedal Unit

The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is designed for aspiring pianists who are just starting their musical journey. It is an excellent choice for beginners, as well as intermediate players who are looking for a portable and versatile instrument to practice and perform on.

We are impressed with the Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano for several reasons. Firstly, its full-weighted 88-key keyboard provides an authentic piano playing experience. The keys are hammer action and offer adjustable touch response, allowing players to customize their desired playing style. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners who are still developing their technique.

Another aspect we appreciate about this digital piano is its extensive range of tones. With 238 types of tone to choose from, including ukulele, drum, and bass, players can explore a wide variety of musical styles and instruments. The vivid presentation of these voices adds depth and creativity to each performance, making it even more enjoyable to learn and play music.

The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is designed to cater to the needs of beginners and intermediate players, offering a realistic playing experience and versatility in terms of sound options. Its key features include a double keyboard mode for combining two voices, sustain pedal, triangle pedal, and audio inputs and outputs. These features allow for music arrangement and ensemble playing, enhancing the overall musical experience for users.

In terms of quality, the Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is built to last. Its durable construction ensures years of reliable use, making it a worthwhile investment for music enthusiasts. The piano also features a backlit LCD screen for easy navigation and adjustment of chords, notation, and tones, further enhancing the user experience.

Some of the advantages of the Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano include its full-weighted keyboard, extensive range of tones, and versatile control panel. Additionally, its multi-media settings, including recording mode, MP3 player, and amplifiers, offer a richer and more immersive practice and performance experience.

However, one potential drawback worth mentioning is the piano’s portability. While it is considered a portable electric piano, the inclusion of the furniture stand and 3-pedal unit may make it less convenient to transport compared to other lightweight digital pianos.

The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is a reliable, feature-packed instrument that allows beginners and intermediate players to explore their musical creativity and improve their skills. Its quality construction, extensive tone options, and versatile control panel make it an excellent choice for individuals looking for a comprehensive digital piano.

Beginner’s Piano Classics: Easy Piano Arrangements – Paperback

• Wide selection of 83 classical music pieces.

• Simplified arrangements suitable for beginners.

• Downloadable MP3 tracks enhance the learning experience.

• Clear and readable notation.

• Limited variety of music genres (solely focused on classical).

• May not satisfy advanced or intermediate pianists looking for more challenging repertoire.

The “Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics” is a highly recommended resource for beginner pianists who want to embark on a classical music journey. With its diverse selection of well-known pieces, simplified arrangements, and the added benefit of MP3 tracks, this book provides an excellent platform for learning and enjoying the magic of piano playing.

100 Beautiful Piano Solos – Paperback Edition (January 1, 2014)

• Variety: The book encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including classical, pop, film scores, and contemporary music. This ensures that pianists can explore different styles and find pieces that resonate with their personal preferences.

• Difficulty Levels: The collection includes solos ranging from easy to complex, accommodating pianists of varying skill levels. This enables beginners to gradually progress and challenge themselves while offering experienced players ample opportunities to showcase their technique and proficiency.

• Clear Notations: The printed sheet music is neatly transcribed, making it easy to read and interpret. Each piece includes fingerings, dynamics, and expressive markings to guide pianists in capturing the intended emotion and nuances.

• Comprehensive collection of 100 beautiful piano solos

• Suitable for pianists of all levels

• Varied repertoire spanning multiple genres

• Clear and accurate notation with helpful markings

• Some advanced players may find a limited number of new challenges in the collection

Best of John Williams book

The Very Best of John Williams, a piano book compiled by John Williams himself, is primarily used for piano enthusiasts who wish to learn and play some of the most iconic movie soundtracks composed by Williams. This book is designed for intermediate to advanced pianists who want to experience the thrill and beauty of playing music from legendary films.

We appreciate The Very Best of John Williams piano book for its exceptional arrangements of timeless melodies from beloved movies. While it caters to intermediate and advanced players, the book also offers a range of difficulty levels, making it accessible for various skill levels.

The purpose of The Very Best of John Williams piano book is to introduce and guide pianists through the world of John Williams’ famous film scores. It includes a collection of 28 compositions, meticulously transcribed for piano, showcasing Williams’ diverse musical styles and emotional depth. Pianists can immerse themselves in these masterpieces, from the thrilling Star Wars saga to the enchanting Harry Potter series.

Key features of this piano book include accurate transcriptions that capture the essence of Williams’ original compositions, dynamic markings and fingerings to enhance the performance, and a variety of musical genres to explore, from epic adventures to tender ballads.

The Very Best of John Williams piano book stands out for its excellent quality and attention to detail. The transcriptions are faithful to the original orchestrations, making it a rewarding experience for pianists seeking to recreate the cinematic magic at their fingertips. The book’s durable paperback cover and high-quality printing ensure that it will withstand frequent use and last for years to come.

• Includes a wide selection of John Williams’ most iconic compositions

• Arrangements are suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists

• Offers a range of difficulty levels within the book

• Features accurate transcriptions that capture the essence of the original compositions

• Durable paperback cover ensures longevity

• May not be suitable for beginners due to the complexity of the arrangements

• Some pieces might require significant practice and technique to master

The Very Best of John Williams piano book is an exceptional choice for pianists who have long admired the legendary composer’s work. Its authentic transcriptions, range of difficulty levels, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any pianist’s repertoire. Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies of John Williams’ finest compositions today!

Contemporary Disney: 50 Best Songs (Piano-vocal-guitar) Paperback – January 1, 2017

The “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs (Piano-vocal-guitar)” book is primarily designed for pianists, vocalists, and guitar players who love Disney music and want to perform their favorite songs.

We love this product because it offers a comprehensive collection of 50 favorite songs from Disney movies and shows. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this book provides a wide range of songs to choose from, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The book includes popular tunes from beloved Disney classics like The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, and Moana, among others.

The purpose of the “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs” book is to enable musicians to learn and perform Disney songs on the piano, vocals, and guitar. It allows aspiring musicians to recreate the magic of Disney in their own homes or during performances.

Key Features of this book include:

• Piano, Vocal, and Guitar Arrangements: The book provides sheet music for all three instruments, allowing musicians to play as a soloist or as part of an ensemble.
• Chord Symbols and Lyrics: The chord symbols and lyrics are included, making it easy for singers and guitar players to accompany themselves while performing.
• Easy-to-Follow Arrangements: The arrangements are suitable for players of varying skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians.
• Large Selection of Songs: With 50 songs to choose from, this book offers a diverse repertoire of Disney’s most beloved tunes.

The “Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs (Piano-vocal-guitar)” book stands out for its excellent quality. The sheet music is well-printed and easy to read, minimizing the chances of mistakes or misinterpretations while playing. The arrangements are accurate and capture the essence of each song, allowing musicians to recreate the magic of Disney in their performances.

• Wide selection of 50 popular Disney songs.

• Versatile book that caters to piano, vocal, and guitar players.

• Chord symbols and lyrics provided for easy accompaniment.

• Arrangements suitable for players of all skill levels.

• Some beginner musicians may find certain arrangements to be challenging.

• The book does not include beginner-level notes or lessons.

MUSTAR 88-Key Digital Piano with Stand, Touch Sensitivity, Semi-Weighted Keyboard, Portable Electric Piano for Beginners, 2x25W Stereo Speakers, Case, Sustain Pedal, ABS, Black

The MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys with Stand Touch Sensitivity is primarily used for beginners who are looking to learn and develop their piano skills. Its touch-sensitive keys allow for a quality playing experience, making it suitable for those who want to practice dynamics in their playing.

We like the MUSTAR Digital Piano because it offers a comprehensive package for beginners. Not only does it come with 88 semi-weighted keys, but it also includes a stand, a sustain pedal, a case, and 2x25W stereo speakers. This means that users can start playing right away without the need for additional accessories.

The MUSTAR Digital Piano is designed to provide a realistic and authentic piano experience for beginners. With 88 semi-weighted keys and touch sensitivity, it allows players to replicate the dynamics of an acoustic piano. The piano also features 64 demo songs, 8 tones, and 128 preset rhythms, providing a range of options for practice and exploration. Additionally, the piano is equipped with USB/MIDI connectivity, allowing users to connect it to their smartphones or computers for teaching or playing purposes.

The overall quality of the MUSTAR Digital Piano is commendable. It is constructed with an ABS material piano body, making it durable and long-lasting. The heavy-duty double-X shaped stand provides stability, while the quick-release mechanism allows for easy adjustment of the stand’s height. The inclusion of a waterproof padded case and cloth cover ensures that the piano is protected from dust and can be easily transported.

Pros:

• Touch-sensitive keys for a quality playing experience
• Comprehensive package with stand, sustain pedal, case, and speakers
• USB/MIDI connectivity for convenience
• Durable construction with ABS material piano body

Cons:

• May not have as many advanced features compared to higher-end digital pianos
• Limited tone options compared to other models

The MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys with Stand Touch Sensitivity is an excellent choice for beginners. It offers a complete package with essential accessories and provides a realistic piano experience. With its user-friendly features and durability, it is a suitable instrument for developing piano skills.

Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano with Touch Sensitive Keys, Portable with Headphones, Microphone, Stand, Stool, Full Size Keys, and LCD Screen

The Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano is designed to provide a complete package for beginners looking to learn and explore the world of piano playing. It offers a range of features, such as touch-sensitive keys and multiple teaching modes, to help beginners get started quickly and effectively.

We love the Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano because it provides an exceptional value for its price. With this piano keyboard kit, you not only get the 61 keys piano keyboard itself but also a piano stand, headphones, a microphone, and a power adapter. It’s a comprehensive package that offers everything a beginner needs to start their musical journey.

The primary purpose of the Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano is to provide beginners with a versatile instrument for learning and exploring music. It comes with 61 touch-sensitive keys, allowing players to produce dynamic and expressive piano sounds. The built-in metronome and three teaching modes (One Key Mode, Follow Mode, and Ensemble Mode) make learning easier and more enjoyable.

The keyboard also offers a wide range of tones, rhythms, and demo songs, providing ample opportunities for beginners to explore different musical genres and styles. Additionally, the keyboard has a large LCD screen that displays various functions, making it easy to navigate and operate.

The Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano offers excellent overall quality. It is built with a compact and portable design, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities. The piano stand and stool provide stability and comfort during playing sessions. The keyboard’s sound quality is realistic and rich, thanks to the two built-in stereo speakers.

Pros:

• Comprehensive kit with all necessary accessories included.
• Touch-sensitive keys for expressive playing.
• Multiple teaching modes to aid beginners.
• Wide range of tones, rhythms, and demo songs.
• Compact and portable design.

Cons:

• No mention of connectivity options such as Bluetooth or MIDI.
• Limited number of keys compared to a traditional piano.

The Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano is an excellent choice for beginners who want to learn and explore music on a versatile and feature-rich keyboard. With its comprehensive kit and user-friendly design, it provides a great value for its price.

Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1: Timeless Hits and Popular Favorites

The Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1: Timeless Hits and Popular Favorites is primarily designed for adult beginners who are looking to learn and play popular songs on the piano. It is a comprehensive book that focuses on developing essential piano techniques, sight-reading skills, and musicality through a collection of well-known songs.

We love the Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 because it offers a great balance of fun and educational material. The book is filled with a wide range of popular songs that adults can enjoy playing, making the learning process more engaging and enjoyable. It allows beginners to learn songs they already know and love, which helps to motivate and inspire their piano journey.

The Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 aims to provide adult beginners with a structured approach to learning the piano. The book starts with basic concepts and gradually progresses to more complex techniques and skills. Each song in the book is carefully selected to reinforce specific musical concepts and techniques, such as hand positions, rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing.

Key features of the Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 include:

• A wide variety of popular songs spanning different genres and eras.
• Clear and concise explanations of musical concepts and techniques.
• Gradually increasing difficulty level to ensure a progressive learning experience.
• Well-designed exercises and practice tips to enhance technical skills and musicality.
• Access to online audio tracks for demonstration and play-along.

The Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 is a high-quality piano method book that effectively caters to the needs of adult beginners. The well-structured lessons, diverse repertoire, and engaging practice materials contribute to a positive and enjoyable learning experience. The book is thoughtfully designed to ensure gradual progress and musical growth.

• Extensive collection of popular songs that adults can relate to and enjoy playing.

• Clear and detailed explanations that make it easy for beginners to follow along.

• Effective exercises and practice tips to enhance technical skills.

• Online audio tracks provide helpful demonstrations and play-along options.

• Some users may find the initial songs to be too easy if they already have some piano experience.

• The book focuses primarily on developing technique and may not provide extensive music theory lessons for those interested in a deeper understanding.

Comparison

Below is a comparison of the specifications for the 8 products:

Product	Full-Weighted Keys	Tones	Polyphony	Keyboard Type	Control Panel	LCD Screen	Amplifiers	Functions	Dimensions	Material
Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano	Yes	238	128	Full Size	Yes	Yes	2x25W	Chords names and notation, MIDI, MP3 Player	Unknown	Not Stated
Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Yes	N/A	N/A	Paperback – June 11, 2008	Not Stated
100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Paperback – January 1, 2014	Not Stated
The Very Best of John Williams	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Paperback – April 1, 2002	Not Stated
Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Paperback – January 1, 2017	Not Stated
MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys	Yes	N/A	N/A	Full Size	N/A	N/A	N/A	Bluetooth, USB/MIDI, Record/Playback	Unknown	ABS
Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano	Semi-Weighted	8	128	61 keys	N/A	Yes	N/A	Metronome, 3 teaching modes, Split function	38 x 14.4 inches	Unknown
Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Paperback – July 1, 2016	Not Stated

Please note that some specifications are not provided in the product descriptions and have been marked as N/A. Additionally, the material of the products is not stated for most of the items.

Conclusion

In summary, the review covers eight different products related to beginner piano playing. They include the Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano, the Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics, 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever, The Very Best of John Williams, Contemporary Disney: 50 Favorite Songs, MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys, Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano, and Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1: Timeless Hits and Popular Favorites.

Drawbacks

While all of these products have their merits, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is portable and comes with a furniture stand and 3-pedal unit, but some users have reported issues with the touch sensitivity. The Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics is a great collection of easy piano arrangements, but the lack of a downloadable MP3 option may be inconvenient for some users. The 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever features a wide range of beautiful solos, but the book itself is quite large and may be overwhelming for beginners. The Very Best of John Williams and Contemporary Disney both offer popular piano arrangements, but they may not cater to those looking for classical or more advanced pieces. The MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys is a portable option with speakers and a sustain pedal, but the quality of the speakers could be better. The Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano is a compact option with a variety of features, but it may not be suitable for those seeking a full-sized keyboard with weighted keys. Lastly, the Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 offers a collection of popular hits for adult learners, but it may not be suitable for those looking for more traditional or classical pieces.

Recommendation

Considering the drawbacks and specific needs of different users, a specific recommendation can be made for each product:

• The Donner DEP-20 Beginner Digital Piano is recommended for beginner pianists who prioritize portability and want a complete set with a stand and 3-pedal unit. However, they should be aware of potential touch sensitivity issues.

• The Big Book of Beginner’s Piano Classics is recommended for beginners who enjoy playing classic pieces and are comfortable with sheet music, but don’t mind the lack of downloadable MP3s.

• 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever is recommended for intermediate to advanced pianists who appreciate a wide range of beautiful solos and don’t mind the large size of the book.

• The Very Best of John Williams and Contemporary Disney are recommended for pianists who enjoy playing popular music and are not specifically looking for classical or advanced pieces.

• The MUSTAR Digital Piano 88 Weighted Keys is recommended for pianists who prioritize portability and want a full-size keyboard with weighted keys. However, they should be aware that the speaker quality may not be the best.

• The Mustar 61 Key Keyboard Piano is recommended for those seeking a compact and feature-rich keyboard, but may not be suitable for those who want a full-size keyboard with weighted keys.

• Adult Piano Adventures Popular Book 1 is recommended for adult learners who enjoy playing popular hits, but may not be suitable for those looking for more traditional or classical pieces.

Overall, the specific recommendation depends on the individual’s preferences, skill level, and desired features.