My Top Piano Adventures Book Picks for Young Pianists

Starting piano lessons is exciting—but picking the right Piano Books that will keep the interest and progress going? Not so easy

If you’ve ever stood in front of a music shelf wondering which method will truly help your child fall in love with piano—you’re not alone. Let me share the series I’ve trusted for years to make that journey clear, creative, and fun!

As a piano and voice teacher who's guided hundreds of students from their first shy notes to confident performances, I know how exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—starting piano can feel for young beginners.

In this post I'm sharing my favorite picks from the Piano Adventures series by Nancy and Randall Faber, a method that's been a game-changer in my teaching. These books don't just teach notes; they build joy, expression, and even the foundations for things like singing along with piano, which is a passion of mine.

Piano education is about integrating together technique, music theory, creativity, sight-reading, and artistry—making learning both meaningful and fun.

The Piano Adventures series stands out because it turns practice into an adventure, helping young pianists (ages 5–12) grow in musical expression, rhythm, and even coordination that can lead to playing and singing at the same time.

Let's dive in why I love this series, and break down the core books by level, and share tips on how they can support overall music development, including vocal-piano coordination.

Why I Recommend Piano Adventures for Young Pianists

When I first started teaching, I saw how the wrong Piano Method could make learning feel like a chore, while the right ones sparked real joy and growth. That's why I always turn to Piano Adventures—created by experienced educators Nancy and Randall Faber. This series is a cornerstone of piano education, blending solid music foundation with creativity in a way that keeps kids engaged and motivated keep going.

What makes it so special?

For starters, it focuses on balanced musicianship, covering everything from reading notes and rhythms to building technique and artistry.

Kids learn piano techniques like proper hand position and finger strength, while also diving into music theory basics such as five finger scales, regular scales, intervals, and chords.

This isn't just about playing; it's about understanding the language of music, which can seamlessly extend to singing and playing piano together. I've had students who started with these books and later used their skills to accompany themselves on simple songs, boosting their confidence as performers.

The series emphasizes joy and connection, with pieces that tell stories and draw from familiar styles like pop, classical, and jazz. This cultural diversity resonates with my own background, coming from another country and blending traditions in my lessons. In my experience, students who use Piano Adventures don't just improve their piano skills—they develop emotional expression, which is key to becoming a well-rounded musician.

This method also aligns with my values of authenticity and inspiration.

By introducing elements of creativity early, it encourages kids to find their unique style, whether they're drawn to upbeat rhythms or melodic tunes.

And for parents or teachers exploring how piano ties into voice education, these books lay the groundwork for hand coordination that can later support vocal-piano fusion.

It's much easier than it seems—just start small, and watch the progress unfold.

Core Books by Level: Building from Basics to Intermediate Piano Skills

Most Recommended Piano Books for Beginners

Now, let's get into the heart of it.

I'll walk you through my top Piano Adventures book picks, organized by level. Each level builds on the last, helping young pianists progress from simple notes to expressive playing.

These books are colorful, engaging, and designed for easy use, with visual cues like distinct covers to keep things fun and organized.

As a teacher who adapts for each child individuatly , I often supplement these with tips for music theory and practice strategies that tie into singing, making them perfect for holistic music education.

Piano Adventures Primer Level

This is where the magic begins—for complete beginners, it's like opening a door to a new world. The Primer Level introduces basic piano techniques, such as hand positions, finger numbers, musical alphabet, and simple rhythms, in a way that's playful and non-intimidating. My favorite core books here include:

Lesson Book: This is the star of the show, with easy songs that teach fundamental music theory like notes and basic scales. I love how it incorporates storytelling, helping kids feel the music and even hum along as they play. It's a gentle intro to piano and voice coordination, showing how rhythms can match melodies you'd sing.

Theory Book: Fun writing exercises make learning intervals and rhythms exciting. Think of it as building blocks for music theory that later support chord reading and accompanying yourself.

Technique & Artistry Book: Through imaginative activities, kids develop healthy hand coordination and expression. I've used this to help students transition to simple vocal warm-ups, practicing piano patterns that mimic song structures.

Performance Book: Short, engaging pieces build confidence for recitals or even family performances. One of my students, a quiet 6-year-old, performed her first piece from this book and it was the start of her journey to singing and playing together.

Sight-reading Book : Simple patterns strengthen music reading, which is very important part for advancing in piano education.

I also recommend F lash Cards and "I Can Read Music" workbooks for fun note spelling activities.

Piano Adventures Level 1

Once kids grasp the basics, Level 1 ramps up the fun by introducing hands-together playing and new hand positions. The core books continue the series' strengths:

Lesson Book, Theory Book, Technique & Artistry Book, Performance Book, and Sight-Reading Book — each of these complements the others, working hand in hand to develop well-rounded musicianship. Together, they deepen understanding of music theory—like exploring five finger scales and intervals—while adding variety to piano techniques and fun songs.

Supplemental gems I suggest include the Piano Adventures Disney Book and Piano Popular Pieces.

These connect kids to familiar tunes, which is great for building rhythmic confidence and even experimenting with singing along. For example, I guide students to play a Disney melody and add their voice, practicing that piano and voice coordination together.

Piano Adventures Levels 2A and 2B Piano Beginner

At this stage, students gain fluency with expanding rhythms and dynamics, setting the foundation for more advanced expression. Core books remain consistent, but I love adding:

"Once Upon a Rainbow" that comes in 1,2 and 3 books :

These lyrical pieces spark imagination and help with emotional connection.

Piano Ragtime & Marches, Piano Jazz & Blues, and Piano Rock & Roll:

They introduce different styles of music in easy arrangements, perfect for rhythmic variety and preparing for genres where piano could accompany voice.

In my Piano Online School, we use these to explore how different rhythms can support singing, making practice feel like play.

Piano Adventures Levels 3A and 3B - Late Beginner Piano

Now we're talking real progress! Students develop expressive control and independence, with core books plus additions like:

Discover Beginning Improvisation and Discover Blues Improvisation books:

These encourage creativity, linking to chords and patterns that are essential for singing and playing piano simultaneously or solo.

Piano Hymns and Piano Classics Simplified: Great for introducing famous repertoire in easy arrangement.

I've seen students at this level start improvising their own songs, blending different styles and development for a truly holistic experience.

Piano Adventures Levels 4 and 5 Intermediate Piano

For intermediate players, these levels polish artistry and versatility. Core books focus on advanced music theory, technique, and expression, preparing kids for performances and even auditions. We dive into complex scales, intervals, and chords, which I often connect to vocal warm-ups for fuller musical growth.

Throughout all levels, I emphasize practice strategies like short, daily sessions to fit busy lives, and how these books support long-term goals like becoming a confident performer who can sing and play.

Wrapping Up: Your Path to Musical Confidence

From those first tentative notes to joyful, expressive playing, the Piano Adventures series has helped countless young pianists—and their teachers—unlock their potential. These books not only build essential piano skills and music theory but also pave the way for exciting possibilities. It's incredible how a strong foundation can lead to lifelong love for music, just as it did for me and my students.

Ready to Begin?

If you’re ready to start or upgrade your piano library, explore my most recommended collection of Piano Adventures books and supplemental favorites below.

Each title links directly for easy Amazon shopping.

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Whether your child is just beginning or advancing through new levels, these books will nurture confidence, creativity, and musical joy—one page at a time.