Looking for sheet music and book suggestions for a returning player

[auricom]

Hello,

I'm a 'returning' piano player .. I used to play at about a conservatory grade 5/6 level, but have been out of serious practice for 15 years or so (I'm 32 now)

Looking for some suggestions of book titles and individual pieces of music that would help me get back into the swing of things.. My musical theory is somewhat sound, but my dexterity with the piano is way down, as is my sheet music reading ability (for the last 15 years my only exposure to music has been dj'ing and software sequencers)

Anyways, I would appreciate any and all suggestions -- all my old piano books were lost in a move where a box went missing

I know of the Hanson series of books, and will probably pick some up to help practive my chords and scales -- thats something i really need to work on as my dexterity and velocity is really poor, and my left hand is particularly lazy

Some pieces I can 'still' somewhat play moderately well -- Fur Elise (except the really fast part), Moonlight Sonata .. I'm looking for books and or individual pieces of music that have similar qualities to those, namely: not too fast/crazy with the notes and chords.. I need to build a foundation again before I can move on to the more advanced stuff, recognizable tunes that are enjoyable to play -- classical, blues soul & funk would be my preferred styles

Any and all suggestions, links etc would be welcome.. I'm really out of touch with the world of piano music, and don't just want to go into a store and buy some random books that 'might be good'

My end goal is not to be a virtuoso, or perform on stage.. I'm simply looking to once again be able to play some enjoyable tunes at home that I like, and are fun to play, and move to more advanced pieces in my own time -- for my playing the piano was always a way to unwind..

Appreciate any and all suggestions

Cheers!

- Paul

[starlady]

It depends on what kind of music you like and want to play! 

When I went back to the piano (after being away for rather longer than you've been alive),  I knew I wanted to play Bach, so I got  Schirmer's "First Lessons in Bach"  and it was just right.  I bet that others on this board will know what to reccomment for other composers and styles. 

Have fun!

--s.