Education Publications,
Highlighting Adult Piano Tutors and Methods
Here at Presto we have been thinking a lot about our customers throughout the globe who are spending much more time at home due to self-isolation and social distancing measures put in place in many parts of the world. You may find yourself struggling to find pieces to play, without access to your usual accompanist, chamber music groups, orchestras and ensembles. We thought it would be a good idea to begin a series of articles focusing on new, bestselling and recommended unaccompanied repertoire. It is perhaps also the perfect time to work on perfecting that technique that you’ve been putting off, or thinking about taking up a new instrument to pass the time.
For the fifth instalment of our series of articles focused on unaccompanied playing we look at the piano again. Based on feedback we've had, many people are using the downtime either to take up the piano again or give it a try for the first time, so we thought we would put together a few suggestions for books to help you progress.
You can explore our full range of piano tuition category here. >>
Adult Piano Methods and Tutors for Complete Beginners
Below you will find our selection of some of the most popular adult piano methods and tutors for complete beginners.
This three-part method shows you how to make music at the piano and have a lot of fun doing it. How? By using familiar songs supported by easy-to-understand instruction, simple examples, and related exercises. In no time at all, using “Notes-That-Name-Themselves,” you'll be performing many of the tunes you've always wanted to play. The price of this book includes access to demo tracks online, for download or streaming, using the unique code inside the book.
Available Format: Sheet Music/Online Audio
Alfred's Basic Adult All-in-One Course is a greatly expanded version of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course that includes lesson, theory, technique and additional repertoire in a convenient, "all-in-one" format. This comprehensive course adds such features as isometric hand exercises, finger strengthening drills, and written assignments that reinforce each lesson's concepts. The accompanying DVD includes introductions to the lesson material in the book and performances of most of the pieces by well-known teacher, Gayle Kowalchyk.
Available Format: Sheet Music/DVD
Fully revised and updated, this brand new edition of the renowned John Thompson's Adult Piano Course is intended for the adult beginner who is learning the basics of piano playing. The book and download card will give you a quick and thorough grasp on the fundamentals of playing the piano, featuring example demonstrations of the exercises so that you will be able to hear how each one should sound, allowing you to get it note-perfect.
Available Format: Sheet Music/Downloads
Continuing the incredible popularity of Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course, this book adapts the same friendly and informative style for adults who wish to teach themselves. With the study guide pages that have been added to introduce the music, it's almost like having a piano teacher beside you as you learn the skills needed to perform popular and familiar music.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Improvisation and creativity are encouraged from the start. Although aimed at students from thirteen years, the up-beat pieces and approach make it just as suitable for adults. Hot Keys teaches piano technique and music literacy in a rounded and imaginative way. This book takes the student from complete beginner to grade one standard in classical or jazz piano.
Available Format: Sheet Music/Online Audio
Written especially for the older beginner, Pianoworks explains all you need to know to get you started on the piano. It focuses on the traditional concept of learning to play from music but also includes hints on improvisation and playing by ear. At every stage there is an appealing and accessible range of pieces to play, from classical to modern in style, including a number of new pieces by the authors. Browse the entire series here
Available Format: Sheet Music/CD
Book and online audio pack. The Hal Leonard Student Piano Library's Adult Piano Method takes an all-in-one approach by combining lessons, solos, technique, and theory into a single volume. This innovative new series is authored by the skilled writers of the HLSPL student method books.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Adult Piano Methods and Tutors - Returning Pianists
Below you will find our selection of some of the most popular adult piano methods and tutors for pianists who are not complete beginners.
The Adult Piano Method Book 2 begins with a brief review of concepts covered in the previous book. Just as in book one, the imaginative and entertaining music found throughout book two makes learning a pleasure and a key factor for student success. Great solos emphasize and support the introduction of new concepts in logical, steady sequence.
Available Format: Sheet Music/Downloads
An excellent collection of over one hundred pieces in a variety of styles specially arranged for the adult student. Includes works by Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Tchaikovsky and many more.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Discover Pam Wedgwood’s exciting world of jazz piano! How to Play Jazz Piano is a fun and simple introduction for young players with a basic knowledge of how to play the piano (about Grade 2 standard). It includes an introduction to improvisation, suggested listening ideas and covers swing, syncopated rhythms, basic chords and chord symbols, scales and modes used in jazz. There are also plenty of great pieces in different styles, online audio and Pam’s helpful advice and teaching tips every step of the way!
Available Format: Sheet Music & Audio
The Foundation Pianist is for students beyond the beginner stage who want to develop a technical and musical foundation to help them progress on to intermediate levels. Exploring piano technique through a variety of elements, the books include daily exercises, sight-reading, repertoire and musical time travel. This series not only develops students’ technique, reading, theory and musicianship, but also provides an invaluable insight into the world of classical music, from madrigals to symphonies and operas to concertos. Browse the entire series here
Available Format: Sheet Music
Piano Fun – Classical Favorites for Adult Beginners is a collection of lead sheets and arrangements for the beginning pianist who has learned to read music and wants to play easy arrangements of familiar melodies. The price of this book includes access to beautifully orchestrated accompaniments for every song and a separate track for the lead sheet and realized arrangement. These accompaniments are available for download or streaming using the unique code printed inside the book.
Available Format: Sheet Music & Audio Downloads
Ellena Taylor - Sheet Music and Books Manager
