Best Piano Books for Beginners and Returning Players
Sorry, you’re not just looking for a song, you’re looking for structure, approachable pieces, and methods that fit your skill level. This guide highlights five piano books that suit late elementary to early intermediate players, returning adult learners, and beginners seeking practical, enjoyable repertoire. Read on to find which title fits your goals, from classical starter pieces to approachable modern selections. The summary table below helps you compare at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Why Selected |
|---|---|---|
| First Lessons in Bach | Early intermediate students | Classic Bach pieces arranged for late elementary to early intermediate players, great for building musical phrasing. |
| I Used to Play Piano | Adults returning to piano | Focused on nostalgic 80s/90s hits with an innovative approach and lyrics for sing-alongs. |
| I Can Only Imagine (Piano/Vocal) | Short repertoire for sight-readers | Lightweight, eight-page sheet music that yields quick practice wins. |
| I Can Read Music: Book 1 | Absolute beginners and adults | Beginner reading with pattern recognition built into a structured note-speller approach. |
| Note: Choose Any Of The Above | Varied preferences | Options across classical, pop, and sight-reading to diversify practice sessions. |
First Lessons in Bach: Easy Bach Pieces
Pages: 40. Level: Late Elementary to Early Intermediate. Instrumentation: Piano. Publisher: G. Schirmer, Inc. The collection introduces approachable Bach melodies that emphasize musical phrasing and keyboard fingerings, making it suitable for students building fluency in classical patterns. Best for students who want to grow from simple songs to more expressive classical pieces.
Best for: Late elementary to early intermediate players who want authentic Bach style without overwhelming technical demands. Why selected: It bridges classical repertoire with practical difficulty, encouraging steady progress. Caution: Some pieces may require careful pedaling and attention to tempo alignment for accurate musical phrasing.
I Used to Play Piano — 80s & 90s Hits
Pages: Not specified. Level: Not specified. Instrumentation: Piano. Publisher: Alfred Music. This book offers an innovative approach for adults returning to the piano, featuring twelve selections from Broadway and television with lyrics included. It emphasizes familiarity and nostalgia to re-engage practice routines.
Best for: Adults returning to piano who want recognizable melodies and a gentle relearning curve. Why selected: It combines approachable arrangements with an engaging repertoire to support consistent practice. Caution: Some arrangements may lean toward simplified versions; verify suitability for your current technique level before diving in.
I Can Only Imagine (Piano/Vocal)
Pages: 8. Level: Beginning to early intermediate depending on arrangement. Instrumentation: Piano/Vocal. Publisher: Hal Leonard. This short sheet music gives a concise, spiritual selection suitable for singers or pianists who want a quick, emotionally resonant piece to practice expressive touch and chordal accompaniment.
Best for: Pianists who want a compact piece with vocal integration or a quick repertoire addition. Why selected: Its brevity makes it a practical choice for performance-ready moments without lengthy practice. Caution: The limited pages may not provide extensive accompaniment options; additional sources may be needed for a fuller arrangement.
I Can Read Music: Book 1
Pages: 32. Level: Beginning Reading. Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard. Publisher: Faber Piano Adventures. This book focuses on note reading, pattern recognition, and structured practice for beginners, ideal for those who want to develop reading skills early in piano study.
Best for: Absolute beginners or adults wanting a solid reading foundation. Why selected: It aligns with a progressive approach to literacy on the keyboard, supporting longer-term repertoire growth. Caution: It emphasizes reading; hands-on musical expression should be balanced with rhythm and dynamics practice to avoid dry playing.
Buying Guide
What level is right for you?
Choose a book matching your current skill and goals. Late elementary to early intermediate pieces suit players expanding from simple tunes to more nuanced phrasing. Beginners focusing on reading may prefer I Can Read Music, while returning players may benefit from I Used to Play Piano for motivation.
Do you want classical emphasis or contemporary repertoire?
Classical selections like First Lessons in Bach build traditional technique and musical phrases. Contemporary options like I Used to Play Piano or I Can Only Imagine offer familiar melodies to sustain motivation and practice consistency.
What about page count and practice length?
Longer books provide broader study, but shorter sheets can deliver quick wins. If you have limited practice time, consider shorter pieces like I Can Only Imagine or the Bach selections with concise pages.
Is there a focus on reading or playing by ear?
Books like I Can Read Music emphasize reading skills, while others rely on familiar melodies to support playing from memory or simple chords. Assess whether you want a structured reading path or a more enjoyment-focused repertoire.
How important are lyrics and vocal parts?
For those who sing or accompany, piano/vocal arrangements may be preferable. If you mainly play solo, instrumental arrangements or piano-only pieces might be more suitable.
What are practical limitations to consider?
Some titles may not list all page counts or technical details. In such cases, use the table of contents and sample pages if available to gauge difficulty and progression. Caution about edge cases: some arrangements could be simplified; confirm level fits your current technique before purchasing.
Choosing a learning path
For a well-rounded approach, combine a classic piece with a contemporary or reading-focused book. This mix supports technique, reading, and musical expression, creating a balanced, sustainable practice routine.
Quick FAQ
- What level should I start at if I’m a complete beginner? Start with I Can Read Music: Book 1 or I Can Only Imagine if you prefer shorter pieces and vocal-friendly arrangements.
- Are these books suitable for adult learners? Yes, several titles target adults returning to piano, with approachable repertoires designed to re-engage learners.
- Which book is best for building reading skills? I Can Read Music: Book 1 focuses on note reading and pattern recognition, helping you read with confidence.
- Can I use these books for performance-ready pieces? Some selections are performance-ready in short form, while others build foundation for longer works over time.
- Should I mix classical and modern pieces? Mixing genres helps with technique and engagement, supporting a broader musical sense.
- Are lyrics important in these selections? If you prefer singing along, choose piano/vocal arrangements; otherwise, instrumental versions are suitable for solo piano.