Suggestions for Piano Books ?

[GLOWAcademy]

I got my hand on a piano for only 40$ wooohooo and I know nothing about playing it and I would like to learn the keys , well My son and I would, does anyone have any suggestions?

[j.griff]

We have a piano for dummies book, it seems to cover the basics. Also, you can find "free lessons" online if you google, and you can at least see the basic key notes online. HTH

[GLOWAcademy]

J, Do you know if Barns N Nobles carry it?

[j.griff]

I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure we ordered ours from Amazon. I bet if B&N doesn't have it, they can order it for you. :)

[GLOWAcademy]

wooohoo I called they do have it and is holding it for me till saturday :)

[Cindyg]

Pianimals.

You must have a music store (a music instrument store) in your area somewhere. They will have a number of starting out programs. Bastien is one. Alfred is another. There are many others.

Lots of us here have used Pianimals (http://www.pianimals.com/). Several have used Piano Course for Christians (http://www.davidsonsmusic.com/).

Since neither of you have any piano background, you might look for something in a DVD format to get you started. I don't have a recommendation, but you'll find something.

One suggestion: There's a very good DVD program that has been mentioned here called Piano for Quitters. I've seen this, and I really like it; but it's for people who USED to take lessons. I don't think it will be the right choice for someone who has never taken lessons. But you should be able to find something similar for beginners.

Hope that gives you some ideas.

Oh, and congratulations on the $40 piano. Even if you only learn a little, it will be something! :)

[GLOWAcademy]

no music store around me

[Cindyg]

Well, all these books are available online too. Amazon has them all. Or follow the links I gave you.

Quiverof10 has a similar thread on the board right now. Search on her name, and you'll see it. It's called something like "Can't decide about Piano.)

[Soph the vet]

We like Piano Adventures by Faber. It is a series that starts kids off the staff but gets them onto it fairly quickly. They have theory books for each level as well.

[StacyWithFourRugrats]

We use Alfred's Prep Course for my 8 year old and will soon be starting the course with my 4 and 5 year old (since I only needed to purchase a few books again and can reuse the non-consumables, I stuck with the same program regardless of their age). I have a music background and know how to play the piano so I will be teaching the basics. It is a great program for the piano; at the least, my children will know how to read music - and this is my primary goal.

Alfred's has a number of programs depending on age and experience. Rainbow Resource sells them along with Amazon :)

Good luck! $40 is a great price but don't forget to get your piano tuned! Sadly, that will cost more than your piano! (or if you think about it, it is still good!)

[GLOWAcademy]

How much does it usually cost to tune a piano?

[StacyWithFourRugrats]

It depends on where you live really. Last time I tuned our piano in San Antonio, it was $75. Maybe others can give you a general estimate for their area. I think you mentioned there were no music stores around, but if there are, try calling them for a recommendation. You can also call a church or university to see who they may use.

Good luck!