Alfred's Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book Level 1: Lesson Book, Level One/2236

This is the first book to own if you are going to make a success of learning either piano or keyboard. It may be a good idea to get a teacher for a few lessons. This book is attractively designed for the adult and is well structured - going through the basics of health and safety, the beginnings of reading notation, playing pieces with hands separately and then together and starting with important keys like C, and G. There are attractive pieces from a range of traditions - Irish, English, American - country and western, the blues and spirituals and a few classics. By the end of this book, minor keys have been introduced. The book focuses on chords to be found in each key, and left- hand music is kept at a fairly simple level, with the right-hand carrying most of the tunes and travelling further up and down the keyboard. Naming of time length notation is done using the American system of;- eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes and whole notes, rather than quavers and so on. There is enough material here to last for about a year - depending on the amount of practice time that you put in. Having done this book it is worth following up with the second book. Come on - enjoy yourself.

As an adult learner, I was sceptical about how well I could learn from scratch such a beautiful instrument as the piano, let alone begin to understand music and its construction. I really am a complete beginner with no prior knowledge of music, and yet after the first hour I had got to grips with one of the taught pieces, Jingle Bells, using both hands simultaneously. I was absolutely amazed. I went to bed that evening visualising the notes and making the hand and finger movements I had just learnt. This really is pitched at such a perfect level for the adult learner with very easy to understand instructions. It has a really nice flow and guides you along seemlessly. It has really inspired me and instilled a passion to continue through this book and series. Very well done and heartily recommend.

I start off all of my beginners with this book (adults and children). The first few exercises position the right hand's thumb on middle C and the left hand's thumb on the G below middle C (This is different to the common left hand thumb on middle C but I prefer it). It then moves to G and then F positions. The primary chords are introduced a lot earlier than on other courses which again I prefer. Then gradually more accidentals and sophisticated pieces are included. Other highlights of the book include an illustrated guide to sitting and hand positions, the numbering of fingers etc. The first few exercises have the notes written inside the note-heads which is handy for absolute beginners. Most of the pieces have exercises beforehand to prepare the student for any new material or nasty corners. Most of my students are ready to start learning grade 1 pieces by about half way through the book. I haven't rated the full 5 stars because I do find that nearly all my students get a bit bored of the book by this stage. It is very clear and comprehensive, and a great introduction to the piano though - highly recommended!

so easy to follow and very well staged. I dont use the CD but go to You Tube for the same thing which shows the piano as well as the tune. Really helpful.

ITEM IS WHAT I EXPECTED AND ARRIVED ON TIME

This is so simple. I am learning music much faster with it

My piano teacher recommended this book to me and to my delight; it teaches you the very basics for you to build a great foundation on. I had a different piano teacher for a while with a different book. Although I loved playing the tunes in the book (I have been an avid right hand tinkler for year, so I decided to take up proper lessons last year) until I went to my new piano teacher I realised I did not even know the basics. So this book and my piano teacher are certainly helping me to get those, I'm very glad to day, but I made the mistake of not getting the CD with this book. I end my piano lesson by playing along to the CD and so wish I had bought it with the book. So given as it is not sold separately I am now going to have to order the book and CD again. Don't waste your money too; go for the CD/book combination too. It's a great aid to keep you in time with the beats and make the music flow, though admittedly some of the arrangements are rather cheesy!! :o)

i only played one or two songs from this book in my lessons, but was great for a first time beginner. Good to use if you dont know how to play piano at all without a teacher, but still fine if u do have a teacher.

Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn piano as an adult. The lessons are well-structured, starting with the basics and gradually building up to more complex concepts, making it easy to follow and practice at your own pace. Each chapter includes clear explanations, helpful illustrations, and engaging exercises that reinforce learning without feeling overwhelming. I appreciate how the book balances theory, technique, and repertoire, giving a well-rounded approach to learning piano. What sets this book apart is its thoughtful pacing and practical approach. The exercises are designed to develop both hands independently while also improving rhythm, sight-reading, and music theory understanding. The selections of songs are varied and enjoyable, which keeps motivation high, and the incremental difficulty allows steady progress without frustration. The clear notation and simple instructions make it accessible even to complete beginners. Overall, Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course: Lesson Book is a highly effective and enjoyable way to learn piano. It provides all the tools needed for consistent progress and builds confidence in playing, reading, and understanding music. Whether you’re starting from scratch or returning to piano after years, this book is a reliable and rewarding guide.

Tutto ok, perfetto

娘がピアノを習い始めたのですが、とこの先生に勧められて購入しました。娘も気に入って頑張ってます（≧∇≦）

As a senior citizen, I enrolled in a beginners piano class at my local community college. This book is what the class used. As a student with some previous musical education, over 50 years ago, this book was an absolute pleasure to progress through. The book is well thought out and the exercises progress slowly, allowing the student to build skills without getting frustrated. I also found the particular musical compositions included to be very appealing. There were people in my class ranging from college age, on up to me - in my 70's. This book worked for all ages. I highly recommend this book for anyone, at any age who wants to play.

Hacía años que no estudiaba solfeo y me ha venido fenomenal para refrescar mis conocimientos. Se lo recomiendo a gente que haya aprendido las notas A B C D E F G, y no do, re, mi, etc... porque puede que sea confuso para ellos. Estoy aprendiendo muchísimo y muy rápido. Lo recomiendo. También recomiendo que antes de comprar el CD, vayáis a YouTube, ya que todas las piezas están allí.