Alfred's Self-Guided Piano Course for Adults

S. Szegedi: This is the best book I could find for myself as a beginner keyboard player. Very good explanations in a friendly style and lovely short piano pieces for practising.

Germany on Sep 08, 2023

Carlos: Bom. Entrega rápida.

Brazil on Apr 24, 2023

Rog: 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!

United Kingdom on Apr 08, 2023

Marguerite: This is the best,

Australia on Jun 21, 2021

D.C.M.: I'm an adult learner having taken piano initially 15 yrs ago as an adult for a 18 months not playing since. So really an almost new learner. Initially when I decided to learn again I tried using the books and notes from my piano teacher. Not helpful except for scales, triads,. When I started using this Alfred's book, it was a little tricky because it was a different way to learn than I had. But then I just gave into it and committed to practice an hour a day. I am really loving it! I ended up realizing the last time I learned I relied too heavily on my memory and never truly learned to read music. So after realizing this I began resisting memorization and also purchased John Schaum Note Speller Book One. Just what I needed. I also just purchased a music theory book The Circle of Fifths, but haven't really dug in too far yet. Prior to getting Alfred's I bought Accelerated Piano adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber. I returned it. Not good for self teaching.
The Alfred's book really walks with you like he's sitting next to you. He's encouraging and a little corny but nice.
The only negative are the digital audio files. I found it bizarre that the examples of each piece are...

United States on Mar 18, 2021

MilsapLuver29: I am a beginning piano player. I had already learned some basics from another book but it was not as in depth as this one. The other book I learned from was simplified, didn't get too much into the black keys, or pedals. This book has 191 pages, so it does cover that. It looks daunting, but it explains it in easy to understand language and you work up to the more complicated stuff as you go. Like all teach yourself books, you can go at your own pace and tackle a new item when you are ready to move on.

It also includes many popular songs from many genres from waltzes, to rag time. So that is nice too.

It includes a CD of all the song examples so you can hear the speed and rhythm of each of the song tracks. Over sixty in all. However my main complaint is about the CD itself.

It's more of a full orchestra accompaniment. So while you get the general idea of the practice piece, some of the tracks are just the background accompaniment, and you have to try to follow along and figure out where the notes belong. I got lost several times. The book gives background on the songs provided, and tells you how to play them, but I would prefer the pieces on the CD be strictly...

United States on Sep 24, 2016

douglas reid: I've never played a musical instrument in my life and I'm getting up in years so I figured it's now or never.
I don't have the time/money for a piano teacher so I planned to go it on my own.
After researching meticulously I decided on Alfred's Self Teaching Adult Piano Course based mostly on the good reviews but also on my needs.
The cost was not a factor as most books available were under $30 and this was under $20.
I am only up to page 30 so far as I'm taking my time and not moving on until I'm certain I know and can play what I'm currently doing in the book.
I have to say so far I'm impressed with the instructions and the practice pieces.There is a CD that came with the book that has the music you'll be doing on it for reference.
I have used it a little but for the most part I don't really need it;it's sort of like a 'good to have if you need to refer to it' kind of thing with me anyway.
I anticipate sticking with and finishing the book but I kind of surprised myself with how I'm progressing so far.
I can't recommend based on using other books because I haven't but for myself,a total newbie,I would recommend it as it works for me.

Canada on Jun 27, 2014

Amazon Customer: I have never played piano in my life, unless you count pounding keys or chopsticks as a child. I bought a used piano and was determined to learn to play even at age 65. After reading the reviews here, I chose this book to begin my lessons. In less than one week I was playing Jingle Bells with 2 hands. I practice every day for at least an hour and am trying very hard to identify the notes without letters or numbers. The only reason I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 is because this book should be spiraled at the binding. My piano does not have a lip big enough to hold the book in the open position and as I progress through the pages it becomes harder and harder to keep the book open without breaking the binding. I am now using my cookbook holder to keep it open and make it easy to turn the pages. I would recommend this book to any adult who wants to learn the piano with no experience. You can do it even if you are older.

United States on Apr 04, 2014

Sincerely Yours: I am an absolute beginner in both playing the piano and learning music theory. At last, fulfilling a life time dream meant I really had to start learning to play. First all, I found that each chapter takes you through a couple of learning points: playing new notes, a little theory and then practice with a piece with the appropriate number of bars for the level that you are at. I found myself, within one week, learning to play with both hands, three chords! I have been practicing a minimum of 2 hours a day. What I love about this method is that there are enough new things to learn on every page and then when you just got to a little plateau of a 'comfort zone', you are suddenly learning a whole new technique to shift you back to basic, but not quiet as you will have gained quite a bit of confidence in the meantime.

I have to admit, unless I have played the piano in a previous life, I have found this teaching book an excellent source and has built my confidence such that I am challenging msyelf on some tougher peices. This book is so similar to the Alfred's all in one adult book 1: end up playing the same pieces like the entertainer, greensleeve,etc. Like all students, one...

United States on Jul 14, 2010