Piano Music Books
Piano for Kids – Musicolor Method Piano Songbook Volume 1
Faber Piano Adventures Series – Primer Level
There are three core books in this series:
The Lesson Book, Theory Book, and Technique & Artistry Book
More information here
Available at Walmart
Alfred’s Basic Adult All-In-One Course, Book 1
This combines theory, technique, and performance in one volume:
More information here
Available at Walmart
I talk with each student to determine what styles, composers, and artists you are interested in, and then recommend specific titles. These are good places to start:
Classical
The Library of Piano Classics
Classics to Moderns in the Intermediate Grade
Beginning Blues
Three books in this series:
Complete Blues Keyboard Method
Beginning Jazz
This series is quite good for starting out in jazz keyboard. It has a lot of detail but it takes you through step by step in a way that is easy to understand. There are three books in the series:
Complete Jazz Keyboard Method
Pop Piano
This book is very useful for exploring pop, funk, and gospel:
The Pop Piano Book
Optional Resources
Metronome
For a high-quality, low-budget metronome, the Seiko SQ50-V Quartz is a good choice.
This site reviews metronomes from sophisticated to basic.
Flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to reinforce note names, rhythms, and various musical terms.
Alfred Music has a set that is color coded.
Keyboards
Here is a useful link for selecting a keyboard to buy.
Keyboards worth looking into for beginners:
- Alesis Recital 88 Key Beginner Digital Piano
- Yamaha PSR EW300 SA 76-Key Portable Keyboard
- Yamaha P45
- Casio Privia PX160 Digital Piano