Hi everyone... New to this forum. Just started learning to play 3 or 4 days ago(on page 28). I am using Alfred's book one on the recommendation of our local music store (been going there for about 25 years) and really like the book. However, knowing me as I do, I know that I will enjoy practicing more if I can practice pieces that I like (pop or classical - 80's stuff, Billy Joel, etc). Does anyone have any recommendations for good books to accompany book one once I am further along in the book?? Has anyone had any luck with the "EZ Piano" series??

I am a classical guitarist by training, so theory is not that much of an issue. I have always wanted to play the piano though, and having fun so far!!

Any recommendations (and other helpful tips) are most welcome.

Cheers,
EJ

Welcome to the forum EJ!

I haven't tried the EZ piano series, or Alfred's for that matter... so no idea. I did have some very old pop music in weird, big-note notation that I brought in to my teacher at one point, and he didn't like it at all...

If you like pop, you might try looking at the book "How To Play From A Fake Book" by Michael Esterowitz. I haven't had time to work through the whole thing, but it looks like a pretty good, clear explanation of what to do to play fake book (alot of pop and jazz) stuff and has some songs in the back to practice with, though nothing terribly exciting

(In case you're not familiar with it - fake books give you the melody and the chord symbols, you improvise the accompaniment.)

If you're looking for more classical, once you get a bit further along you might take a look at "Essential Keyboard Repertoire" series. These are short easy classical pieces that have NOT been "simplified". I've enjoyed working through alot of these pieces.

Billy Joel has a 2-volume set of his sheetmusic out there. The books are huge, and completely written out (not fake books). I find them very challenging though and haven't looked at them in awhile!

Welcome again, and happy new year!

try "Piano Handbook":

http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Handbook-Com...30834400&sr=8-1

One book I've enjoyed with easy arrangements of pop songs is 100 Best Loved Piano Solos by Robert Shultz. Another with more traditional pieces that goes well with the Alfreds series is Alfred\'s All-Time Favorites.

Don't forget the Free Theory and Sheet Music website provided by Gil DeBennedetti, there's new material being added constantly and it's all free!!.

Thanks to everyone for the great info. I will look into all the suggestions and let you know how I fare!

Cheers,

EJ