Classical book/CD combo for beginners

[mahlermaniac]

 So I have been teaching myself on the keyboard, in preparation for learning the piano In a year or so (at which time I will be getting piano lessons). I have been enjoying learning some basic popular melodies and Christmas music, but I really do love classical and want to start learning some. I'd like to get a combo pack with sheet music and CD, but what I have found in that vein so far is for intermediate players. Any suggestions?

[twinklestarpurgatory]

"Exploring Piano Classics" by Nancy Bachus, published by Alfred. 

This is the series my teacher had me use when I fell in love with classical piano music.  It has a technic book (which includes theory) and the Solo Repertoire.  They are available on Amazon at some really good prices, especially if you buy the set with the Preparatory Level, Level 1 and Level 2 books together. 

I don't remember if the technic books had a cd (I don't have them any longer) but I do know the solo Repertoire books definitely have CDs (still have these).  The music is pretty decent as well.

[fleetfingers]

Check out the Suzuki books and see if you like the pieces in them. You can get the book alone, or you can purchase a book/CD combo. The music is really great and is sequenced in a methodical way. Book one has some folk songs and other simple music that provide a good starting point for classical. Book two has Minuets, etc. and ends with a Beethoven Sonatina. The third one will continue with more Sonatinas and a few other fun pieces. There are more, but these might contain some beginning pieces you're looking for - and they have the option to come with a very nice CD. You do not have to follow the method - which would not be good for adults anyway. The books do not contain theory or anything like that, they are simply collections of classical music (the real stuff, not arrangements), and you can use them with any method you choose.

Of course, you can also sign up for Piano Street gold, and they have all sorts of sheet music with mp3 files to listen to and download, at all levels.