Beginner book series - any recommendations?

Hi everyone,

As an absolute adult beginner (i.e. I know where middle C is and that's about it!), is there a series of instructional books that anyone would be willing to recommend? I would like a series that teaches the basics of music theory (i.e. enough theory to be able to read sheet music) with the main focus being on playing. There are a dizzying array of options out there and I just want to start off with the best tools possible (I notice that some members in this forum are using a series from Alfred publishing). Any advice/recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

_____________
Estonia 168

http://fundamentalkeys.com/index.html

wow...you bought a new grand and only know where middle C is...that is brave...

I recommend a teacher.

In that case, I highly concur.

If you have that kind of money, do not try to learn on the cheap. Get a good instructor and really learn to play well.

Don't even think about doing it on your own. With that instrument, you have a chance to experience something really beautiful in your life. Go all in !

Hi Don,

Thanks very much for the link - I will give it a good look!

Hi Mark,

Yes - I thought to take the plunge and learn something new with an instrument that I could grow with. I think I will follow your advice and look for a good teacher as well.

Thank you for your input!

Hi Don,

I will take your feedback as well as Mark's and find a teacher!

Thanks again for your advice!

Glad to hear it.

Please come back periodically and play us a "tune".

Killer link Don. I was not aware of that method. I flipped though the preview pages and it looks GOOD! Wish I had known about that earlier.

If you take advantage of the optional videos and the forum I think it could provide very high quality instruction.

Hi Don,

Will do - thanks again!

Welcome aboard Estonia17151. This is a great forum! I have an instructor and we're using the Faber's Adult Piano Adventures Book 1. She really likes this book because each lesson introduces me to a new a letter note, practice techniques, theory, and music to play. I'm enjoying this learning experience! I hope you will too!

Estonia:

BTW ... The link I gave you might still be a nice book (plus videos) to use when taking lessons. Your instructor might very well agree to utilize it as the main book for your lessons. It is very good.

Usually, each instructor has their favorite method books but it is something to consider.


http://fundamentalkeys.com/index.html

Hi Warlock,

Thank you for the welcome! I agree completely - the PW forums were extremely helpful for research purposes in the time leading up to the purchase of our piano and are continuing to be so thanks to members such as yourself, Don, Mark, and fizikisto - thank you all! I will definitely have a look at the Faber series. Best of luck with your learning experience as well!

Hi Don,

I perused the method you provided last night and it looks great! Once I find a teacher, I will definitely refer them to the link. In the meantime, I think that I might just go ahead and give it a try anyway!

Thanks again.

Rachel Jimenez, Fundamental Keys author, used to be a frequent contributor on the teacher's board. I agree that Fundamental Keys looks well thought out. Have you considered Skype lessons with Ms. Jimenez?

The two book series Adult Piano Adventures series looks good for self teaching and seem more oriented towards what I call functional piano vs. preparing ever harder classical pieces for grades or certificates. If your main goal is accompanying yourself or others on songs while laying a foundation for more serious classical playing or delving into jazz/blues, you might want to take a look.

Good luck and welcome to piano and PW.

Kurt

Hi Kurt,

Thank you for the warm welcome! Yes, I have looked at the Adult Piano Adventures and am also considering this series as an option.

I did not consider lessons by Skype (mainly because I did not know it was possible!) - what a great idea! I will also look into this as a possibility. As I mentioned in my initial post, there are many different options available - I sincerely thank you for taking the time to offer your opinion!