Piano: Learn The Piano in 5 Easy Steps: A Self-Guided Piano Course for Beginners (with Online Video Instruction - Piano Learning Books for Beginning Piano Players)

FIRST! Yes. The cover picture is IDIOTIC! Why such an OUTSTANDING BEGINNER PIANO BOOK would use a drawing that doesn't begin to depict an actual piano is BEYOND me. THAT being said, I've read EVERY "#1" rating and they're ALL STUPID! I was an outstanding, pianist in high school selected for a select month-long summer program at a well-known music school before my senior year. I decided life in a practice wasn't for me. I liked dancing better and danced with a group at a major university for a semester before I got married then later had 3 brilliant kids (2 got perfect math SAT scores, 2 played piano for a few years, all played band instruments, 1 getting scholarship money in trombone & academics) & I went to med school when they were 4, 6 & 9. I say all this to show I STRONGLY believe music and high academics go hand in hand. I purchased this book for 2 of my granddaughters, 7 & 8. (I have 7 gkids 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11.) I'm currently helping out of son who has the 7, 9 & 11yos & teaching the 7 yo. I've encouraged the brilliant 9yo boy who's interested in "mixing" to also let me teach him piano to enhance his ability in that area & to prepare him for whatever band instrument he chooses in middle school as he'll already be able to read music. I'm teaching the 8yo via Skype by having a book myself so I can go over the music with her. As the girls began at the same time, they somewhat compete with each other via the Skype lessons and want to stay at the same level.I REALLY like the idea of learning the 5-note scales in the beginning to build "muscle memory" early on and encourage the kids to learn how their fingers feel on the notes without looking at the keys as well as possible. It all depends on how much they practice. I also like the incorporation of simple songs mixed in with the exercises. I purchased the stickers for the keys that are placed above where you placed your fingers so they can learn where the notes are easily. I'd have liked those and HIGHLY recommend you get those for your beginner student. Once no longer needed they're easily removed.IGNORE THOSE NEGATIVE REVIEWS! THEY'RE CLUELESS!

This book is outstanding! As a brand new piano student, I feel fortunate to have come across this series. Utilizing a system of instruction that ever so gradually increases in difficulty, this series effectively instructs the student on appropriate levels of fingering, theory, and score notations. Songs and exercises of which the book is comprised are well chosen and appropriately challenging. Kudos to all involved.

I usually don’t leave reviews, but I felt I needed to for this book. It was a perfect beginner book that really got me motivated. I learned so quickly compared to other books and in my second day could play alright with both hands. I love the videos which help so much to keep me from being overwhelmed. I also purchased another book for beginner piano for adults and found that they don’t let you read notes or play with both hands for a long time! I felt like this book taught the right way.

I am enjoying acquainting myself with beginning technique.

I had taught myself some basic piano as a young girl, and at 52, decided I'd like to pick it up again. This book was amazing!! I advanced way past what I had learned as a kid and impressed myself in the process. The pieces are challenging, but not so hard where one feels incompetent. The exercises are varied and not tedious. The lay out and style of the book make the progressions fun and easy to understand. I just ordered Mary James' second book and can't wait to continue with the lessons!

It's a fair book, but I wouldn't recommend for a first book. The format is a little scattered, and if you can't already read sheet music you're going to struggle. It has a lesson on reading, it's just laid out in a fashion that doesn't lend itself to easy study. Good material. Scattered format.

I am a new student of both music and piano, having to learn to read music as well as learn the piano at the same time. I have been using this book for about 5 months. While I am certainly not an accomplished pianist, I am enjoying playing music I can recognize. I can't believe I have progressed as far as I have in such a short time.Each lesson moves you along with exercises and songs that become just a bit more complex as you progress through the book. Most of the exercises and songs have video links so you can see and hear the piece played on the piano. It is like having the author/teacher sitting on the piano bench right next to you!I am looking forward to starting Book 2 next week!

Purchased as a gift for my “adult kids” who love music and found the contents provide additional on-line resourses@Great overall quality design with a large spiral binding to keep a turned page well in place