Looking for an easy piano classics book that starts you off with approachable pieces and gradually builds skill? This guide highlights five top picks that suit beginners through intermediate players. Each option is chosen for clear arrangements, well-organized repertoires, and reliable formats. Ideal buyers include absolute beginners seeking familiar tunes, intermediate players expanding classical exposure, and teachers selecting accessible teaching materials for lessons.
| Product | Who It’s Best For |
|---|---|
| The Library of Easy Piano Classics (Music Sales) | Beginners and late-beginners seeking a broad classical repertoire |
| WP42 Easy Piano Classics (Bastien Older Beginner Library) | Older beginners who want approachable, structured songbooks |
| Library of Easy Piano Classics 2 (Music Sales) | Those wanting more masterworks with a gentle progression |
| Best Songs Ever Super Easy Piano Songbook (Hal Leonard) | Young learners and adults preferring familiar pop/classic tunes |
| Library of Piano Classics (Music Sales) | Mid-level players seeking famous classical pieces |
| First 50 Popular Songs You Should Play on Piano (Hal Leonard) | Beginners seeking a diverse, easy-start playlist |
The Library of Easy Piano Classics
- Author/Publisher: Music Sales
- Format: Easy Piano Solo, 296 pages, Level: Intermediate
- Why choose: Provides a long, varied collection of famous classical pieces in accessible arrangements, suitable for progressing players.
Best for players who want a substantial repertoire in one volume with clear, readable notation. Choose this if you are building comfort with classical pieces over time and prefer a single, comprehensive book.
Caution: The intermediate level means some pieces may require steady hands and practice; beginners may benefit from supplementing with simpler selections.
WP42 Easy Piano Classics (Bastien Older Beginner)
- Brand: Kjos Music Company
- Features: cf-type-piano-song-book, cf-vendor-kjos, reverbsync-shipping-profile
- Why choose: Tailored for older beginners with approachable pieces and a structured progression.
Best for learners who prefer a clearly organized catalog that eases into classical melodies without overwhelming difficulty. Better for students who need a gentle build in technique and reading fluency.
Caution: The listing highlights vendor and format details that may influence shipping; verify availability if you need quick access to materials.
Library of Easy Piano Classics 2
- Brand: Music Sales
- Pages: 240, Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
- Why choose: Expands on the first collection with more masterpieces while maintaining approachable arrangements.
Best for players who enjoyed the first volume and want additional masterworks without jumping to advanced repertoire. Choose this for a balanced bridge from easy to more complex pieces.
Caution: Some selections may still require refined touch; pace practice to avoid pacing gaps between songs.
Best Songs Ever Super Easy Piano Songbook
- Brand: Hal Leonard
- Pages: 122, Instrumentation: Piano/Keyboard
- Why choose: Focuses on familiar pop, jazz, and Broadway tunes with simplified arrangements for early learners.
Best for beginners seeking quick motivation through well-known songs. Choose this to build confidence with recognizable melodies and approachable rhythms.
Caution: Pop and Broadway selections may diverge from strict classical focus; some pieces may rely on simplified lyrics or vocal lines that don’t translate to piano-only play.
Library of Piano Classics
- Brand: Music Sales
- Features: Amsco Publications Model#752187668954
- Why choose: Collects timeless classical pieces suitable for mid-level players seeking recognizable works.
Best for players who are past the beginner stage and want classic repertoire that remains approachable. Choose this if you want a curated set of famous pieces with legible editing.
Caution: Some pieces may present gradual technical challenges; progress may require additional practice on tempo and dynamics.
First 50 Popular Songs You Should Play on Piano
- Brand: Hal Leonard
- Pages: 210, Instrumentation: Piano
- Why choose: A varied starter playlist mixing classic pop, jazz, and Broadway tunes for broad appeal.
Best for beginners who want a diverse, easy-entry set of songs to practice reading and rhythm. Better for teachers seeking a flexible classroom or home study resource.
Caution: The collection emphasizes accessibility over depth in any single piece; supplement with longer works for technique growth.
Buying Guide
What level should you choose?
Beginners should start with books labeled Easy Piano or Beginner. If you can comfortably play simple melodies and read basic rhythms, you may progress to Intermediate volumes to expand technique and repertoire.
Which repertoire matters most?
Consider whether you want classical bias, pop crossover, or a balanced mix. For steady classical development, select volumes that pair well-known works with properly graded difficulty.
Format and readability
Look for large, clear notation, helpful fingering, and well-structured song order. A long solo collection can simplify practice planning, while smaller booklets are easier to transport and use for quick sessions.
Who will use the book?
Teachers may prefer books with consistent arrangement quality and clear progression. Self-learners benefit from catalogs that offer diverse yet approachable pieces to maintain motivation.
Practical tips
- Check for accompanying audio or online resources to aid learning, if available.
- Pair any chosen book with a metronome to improve tempo control.
- Balance hands-on practice with listening to original performances to guide phrasing.
Comparative quick take
- Best for breadth: The Library of Easy Piano Classics (Music Sales) — wide repertoire, long playtime.
- Best for structured learning: WP42 Easy Piano Classics (Bastien Older Beginner) — clear progression for older beginners.
- Best for new listeners: Best Songs Ever Super Easy Piano Songbook (Hal Leonard) — familiar tunes, quick wins.
- Best for mid-level classical mix: Library of Piano Classics (Music Sales) — famous pieces with approachable editing.
FAQ
- What is the best starting book for absolute beginners? Answer: Books labeled Easy Piano or Beginner, focusing on simple melodies and basic rhythms.
- Should I choose classical-only or mixed repertoire? Answer: If your goal is classical fluency, start with classical-focused volumes; mixed repertoires are good for variety and motivation.
- Are these books suitable for self-study? Answer: Yes, most are designed for solo play and include straightforward arrangements, though some practice discipline is beneficial.
- Do these books include audio or online resources? Answer: Availability varies by title; check current product pages for audio or supplementary materials.
- How should I measure progress when using these books? Answer: Track pieces completed, accuracy of rhythms, and consistency in tempo; gradually tackle more challenging works as skills improve.
- Can these books support lesson plans? Answer: Yes, many titles are chosen for teaching progressions and can align with standard piano curricula.