Books to learn piano
If you have reached this post we assume that you are trying to start on the piano or keyboard with some kind of method, preferably in book format. And you probably don’t have money for private lessons or you’re just good at self-study.
If you are in the above assumptions there is one thing you are already doing well, and that is that you are looking for a method that will give you a progressive itinerary. This is good because learning an instrument is not easy and it is easy to get discouraged if you don’t follow the right steps. But it’s always very profitable because music gives your life a colour that’s priceless.
And of course remember that first of all you need a digital piano that at least supports sustain pedal and has sensitivity on the keys.
Don’t miss the guide with the best Cheap Keyboards of the moment selected by BuscarInstrumentos.com:
What should a piano self-study book have?
To begin with, it must be very progressive. It has to start with the principle of principles. How to put your fingers and explain where the piano notes are and what each key is. And above all, to explain to you how to put your hands correctly.
That the method is progressive is very important because if it starts too hard or takes a big gap of difficulty you will give up.
It’s also very important that it brings a video, otherwise you won’t be able to use it to learn on your own.
Can you really learn piano with a book by yourself?
Let’s see, we’re not gonna lie to you about this. It is much more difficult than with a teacher and it may not be the best support, because nowadays there are computer programs that help you with learning and there is a lot of support in video on the Internet. But what the book does is give you the script and it’s usually a cheap option. Besides, it’s probably the format you prefer to start with and that’s that.
It’s not a bad idea to mix strategies. You buy the method and ask a teacher to give you an initial class pack. 5 classes to start the method with you and then you can arrange with him a monthly class to review and correct you. We are talking about 20 € per month which will give you a lot.
Another possibility. Take a look at our free piano and keyboard course for beginners. In it you have many videos that will teach you how to put your hands, practical warm-up exercises and basic concepts, all put in order. You’ll like the exercises to make your hands independent. After making them you put yourself with the method in book. This can serve as a substitute for the initial teacher.
Well, that said, we’re going to introduce you to our selection of the books we like the most, especially considering that they are very progressive and bring audio files so you know how it sounds what you have to play. At the end of the post we will give you more ideas if you want to continue with your self-learning, because today the options are multiple and very interesting.
The best books for self-taught piano learning
We want to tell you about two very interesting books for the material they have inside, one comes with audio DVD and the other you can download the audios on their website.
Piano for Dummies
Don’t be embarrassed to consider yourself a Dummy, after all you are a beginner and the book only tries to take the iron out of the situation. The good thing about books for Dummies is that they keep a close eye on the progression of the method. If the method takes a very big leap in level it is very possible that you can not continue with it.Of course if you want to start without a teacher it is rare that you find a better way to start. Then it will be a little short but to begin with it is a great option. In addition it comes with audios that you can download in the same web. We leave you the link to the book in physical format:
Carl Humphries Complete Piano Course
A very interesting option considering all that can be done with it. The principle is simple and progressive and well studied. It’s a bit more expensive but then it has a lot more material and if you finish it you’ll have a wide range of works and styles to play.
Would you like to learn piano?
In BuscarInstrumentos I have made a tutorial for beginners, to see if you like it 😉
The previous method for Dummies will stay a little short but is cheaper, this is fatter but will be worth you for much longer. It is not a bad idea to try both, as the combined synergy of both makes you understand all concepts with extreme ease.The book also includes a DVD with the course audios and comes with a hard cover.
Other popular books to learn piano for children and beginners with teacher
The following books are very popular in both private schools and conservatories. There are those of very classic approach as the Hanon method and with a more modern one as it can be the Suzuki method.These methods are designed to be accompanied by a teacher and it is very likely that a teacher will ask you for them. We attach them to you to make a more complete guide and let their names sound familiar to you. You’ll most likely hear about them in the future. Whether it’s for you or your kids.
CZerny – The First Piano Teacher Op.599
Very popular in all conservatories, classic method that we will surely hear about.
Hanon – The virtuoso pianist: 60 Exercises
The Hanon method is not a method itself, but a series of exercises aimed at giving more strength and agility to the hands. Also very popular in conservatories although nowadays it has some detractors its exercises are very used and continue very valid almost a century after its creation.If you want to know about Hanon we have a whole article talking about the Hanon method for piano.
Suzuki Piano Method
The Suzuki method is today one of the most popular methods for early learning in children. It is based on learning music as if it were the mother tongue, that is, listening before and experimenting. It is modern education and is often found in private schools. They are also exercises applicable to adults.If you want to know more about this method we have an article about the Suzuki method for piano.
Other learning methods
We cannot close this chapter without mentioning the possibility of learning piano and keyboard in a self-taught way through other channels.Today having a MIDI keyboard or piano with that connector allows you to use interactive music learning software. This is a very powerful method because it allows you to know which keys you are touching and correct yourself. If you are interested in the subject, please read the following article:
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