My Favorite Supplemental Piano Books for Beginner Students

When it comes to beginner piano students, I tend to use The Piano Adventures Piano Method by Nancy and Randall Faber. I like to pair this method with other books to reinforce my students' note reading and to help them understand different rhythms.

This list will show you some of the books my students have enjoyed learning from and books which I find well-written and great for teaching.

1. Popular Arranged by Nancy and Randall Faber

   This series goes from the primer level, called PreTime, to level 4 and above, called BigTime. Each level is a fantastic addition for your students. It includes songs from Disney, Star Wars, and The Beatles, to name a few. These books are clear to read and have nice duets for the teacher to play along with their students.

2. Classics Arranged by Nancy and Randall Faber

   I love the PreTime level of the Classics series! It has great songs and fantastic duets. Some songs include: "Ode to Joy," "The Bridal March," and "The Can-Can." I don't really like to teach classical songs that have been arranged for easy piano, so I don't typically use this series past Level 1. I would definitely recommend PreTime Classics and PlayTime Classics which is great for when you are beginning to teach eighth notes. It's great for recitals as well!

3. Jazz & Blues Arranged by Nancy and Randall Faber

   This is another excellent series from the Fabers. I typically use this starting from Level 3A and up. There is some syncopation and swinging of eighth notes, so make sure to introduce this when your students are ready or have a strong grasp of counting and rhythms that are a bit more advanced.

4. Beginning Sonatinas by Lynn Freeman Olson

   This book is a fantastic introduction to the Sonatina form. "Sonatina No. 1 in C Major," the first piece in this book, is simple yet has a lovely melody. The 1st movement barely requires playing both hands at the same time. The left hand consists mostly of whole notes, which makes it an easy piece for your beginner students.

5. Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson

   This book has very short, simple melodies that are perfect for introducing your beginners to the reading the notes on the staff. There is also a very well-written teacher accompaniment book sold separately. I definitely recommend it!

These are just some of the books I use for my beginner students to add to their piano method books. Let me know if you've used these books before or which others you have used.

Happy Teaching :)