Looking for good Piano Method Books

[chris_drb]

Hi, my name is Chris.  I just started piano about 6 months ago.  Right now I have Junior Hanon and Alfreds Adult Beginner book level 2.  Was wondering if there were any other books that every pianist NEEDS to have.

thanks

[syncope]

Michael Aaron is a good method, has also a book for adult beginners.

This book is nice because every so often there is a simlified transcription of a repertoire piano piece, so you get to know and play the "real piano repertoire" already! (though in simplified form; very recognizable and nicely done).

[hyrst]

Hi Chris,
Hope you enjoy your music studies and good luck with them.

What every student 'needs' depends entirely on how fast they are progressing, what their interests are and what their technical development is like at the time. 

I think that technique books, like Dozen a Day and then Czerny, are a must for developing pianists - but they are also not worth the time if you don't know the movements they are training you in. 

There are a lot of pleasant easier classics that can be found - simplified pieces of great works and actual student pieces - on the internet for download.  Anything you want to play will help develop you reading.  Play new simpler things as much as possible to devlop quick reading skills. 

I use the Faber Adventure series for method books.  From Alfred book 2, you can move to Adventrues book 3.  There is a great range of genuine music in these books - even though they develop around a progression of concepts.  Many well known pieces simplified, and many lovely originals - different styles, too, with jazz, folk song, classical, and simple song.