Alfred's Self-Teaching Adult Piano Course: The new, easy and fun way to teach yourself to play (Book & Online Material): The New, Easy and Fun Way to Teach Yourself to Play, Book & Online Audio

This book is a wonderful introduction to the piano & supports early understanding of a grounding in music theory & practical techniques. An adult course because quite a steep learning curve, which can be tackled at a pace that’s comfortable. I’m approx a quarter of the way through in a week with daily practice, repeats & advancement, but know my progress will slow as I continue, because I will need to remind myself & repeat earlier stages to embed what I’m learning. A really good book I would recommend, & suitable for use without a piano teacher - it’s as though he’s coaching you from afar. Have not yet accessed digital add-ons - not sure how accessible or essential these are.

I bought this book two months ago and I have to say that it is magnificent! I have always wanted to learn the piano but I’ve only got round to it now that I am retired. Unlike many of the reviewers I have never played piano or any other musical instrument in the past. Before buying this book, I did a lot of research about teach-yourself piano books and in the end I bought two. I have started both of the books, but the other one moves too quickly and I found it quite discouraging. However this one seems to be aimed at just the right level for someone who has never played before. The explanations are very clear and the printing is good for people with less than perfect eyesight! I think that beginning with the left and right hand C position is really wise and builds confidence well. I have really enjoyed working through it and I am almost half-way through. I heartily recommend it to any complete beginner like me!

With time on my hands during lockdown, I finally bought a keyboard and decided to teach myself to play. After paying for two online courses, I was losing interest in practising because they didn't explain some things well and there is no teacher to ask. Trying to go through lessons on a tablet was also frustrating, so I got a voucher for my birthday and this book got really good reviews so I gave it a try. I'm half way through and so far I love it. It's well written as if a teacher is talking to you and it gives just the right amount of help, whilst also leaving some things for you to remember, but it's easy to go back a couple of pages if you don't, or you've forgotten in the 24 hours since you last practised! The diagrams at the top of the page are very helpful. I had already learnt to play the flute and read music, which meant I could skip a bit at the beginning. Bass clef was my nemesis in the first two courses, but it's beginning to sink in with this book. Looking through the latter part of the book it seems quite daunting, but I'm looking forward to it. The only reason I haven't given it 5 stars is because I'm only half way through.

I absolutely loved this book! I already had experience in music with other musical instruments so it was not too difficult for me to move to the piano. The book does not have those boring exercises you usually see in beginners books but you learn easy songs as soon as you start playing. It's progressing fast enough to always keep you interested and excited! I have already finished half of it in a few weeks and I couldn't be more satisfied with a book! I'm not sure if it would be ideal for a total beginner since I already knew the basics when I started it, but it seems to me that everything is very well explained.

I have been learning with this book a couple of weeks and I am really pleased with my progress. Admittedly, I've had piano lessons 35 odd years ago as a child, and therefore, before I started with this book some weeks ago, I could still remember the very basics of reading notes (no majors and minors, just the simple ones), and could eventually - after counting up or down from the middle C - locate the corresponding keys on the keyboard, but that was about it. This allowed me to go through the first pages faster than somebody with no knowledge of reading notes or playing an instrument at all. From page 30 (out of about 200) or so onwards I feel that I am learning new things and I enjoy the challenge. I am confident that someone with no prior knowledge whatsoever can study by themselves with this book, IF they are 1) learners who are happy to learn through self study (not everybody is, while others actually prefer self study rather than learning with a teacher) 2) willing to go through the first pages really slowly and meticulously and stick to it even though these first lessons are not exactly the most exciting ones. You might get a bit bored or frustrated, but if you keep going you will get there, and it will soon get more interesting. If you want to become a really good grand pianist obviously sooner or later you will need a teacher, but for someone like me who mainly wants to be able to accompany songs, or someone who wants a solid introduction into music theory and playing the piano before taking it further it's really good. note to players from the UK: the book is American, and they use different terms in music theory. Again, for someone like me not a problem at all, but if you are from the UK and planning to take it seriously, look up the corresponding British terms on the internet as you learn about the theory.

A great book well layed out. But the link to the music to listen too on the site is trouble sounds like 1980s presets on a cheap keyboard

Clear, easy to follow and fun

Good book. Easy to follow. Perfect for beginner like me. If only I had more time to progress through the book.

finding this really easy to follow. a great beginner book.

I usually never leave reviews, however this time - I feel I must as this book is amazing! I wanted to find a self-teaching guide to learn how to play piano as well as to learn how to read notes/music. This book is written very well: it gives you step by step introduction to each note and follows up by a familiar tune, which you can practice and play. This book is not only good for adults but also for kids - my 11 year old son was able to follow step by step instructions and is already in the middle of the book. The CD which comes with this book is very helpful - as sometimes when you are learning to play a new song - you might not be familiar with it... listening it on CD first will give you a good idea what it should sound like and therefore makes it easier for you to practice. The DVD covers the same material which is written in the book - which could be beneficial for people who prefer watching and listening to a lesson rather than reading it. I will definitely recommend this book to anyone who is looking to learn how to read music and play piano.

Here I am, 40 years old and learning to play the piano. I took lessons very very briefly several years ago and have some background in reading music from my junior high band years, so I'm not completely unfamiliar with music in general - but I might as well be. The book is excellent at covering the most basic rudiments of the piano, from posture to finger position to basic note reading in both clefs. I didn't utilize the included CD, mostly because I don't have a CD player, but I did go out to youtube to listen to a few of the songs so I could get an idea of how they should sound (which is often very different from how I play them initially). The earliest songs in the book were pretty easy for me to play and I got bored and worked ahead ... and then stalled. Like learning anything, focusing on the basics before you move on is essential. I'm going back now and spending quality time with each piece to reinforce everything I've learned before I move on to another book. This book includes explanatory text with each page, written exercises you can do right in the book to reinforce note reading and chord determination as well as a mountain of songs. Some of the songs are hokey beginner songs, but the later songs are delightful and I'm tickled I can now play some of them. It's a worthwhile investment for someone thinking of taking on the piano. This will give you a good start to determine if the instrument is really for you, or to brush up if you've been away from it for many moons. I am not convinced it will replace a good teacher, but it will certainly help you determine if you are interested in making a larger investment.

This is the best,

Es un libro fácil de leer. Lo encuentro muy didáctico. El método de enseñanza es sencillo y completo. El DVD y el Cd facilitan el aprendizaje.