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The Most Popular Piano Method Books in the United States

In the U.S. piano teaching system, the choice of method books plays a crucial role in shaping a student’s learning pace, reading skills, and long-term musical development. Below is an overview of the most widely used piano method books in the United States, ranked by overall popularity and teacher adoption.


The Most Widely Used Mainstream Methods in North America

  1. Faber Piano Adventures



  1. Alfred’s Basic Piano Library



These two series are often considered the “standard starting point” for piano instruction in North America. Many teachers will instinctively reach for one of these when working with a new beginner.

Why they’re so popular:

  • Well-structured and clearly leveled

  • Diverse repertoire styles

  • Strong sense of progression and student achievement

  • Extensive teacher resources and supplemental materials

Teaching approach: Faber, Alfred, and Hal Leonard typically introduce staff reading using landmark notes, such a

  • Middle C

  • G on the treble clef

  • F on the bass clef

This approach helps students quickly connect the keyboard with the grand staff and is now considered a mainstream teaching strategy in the U.S.



Commonly Used for Early Beginners

  1. John Thompson’s Modern Course

  1. Bastien Piano Basics

These methods are frequently used at the beginner level but serve slightly different student needs.

John Thompson

  • Especially suitable for younger children

  • Simple textures and frequent repetition help build confidence

Bastien

  • Slightly faster pacing

  • Often better suited for students with stronger cognitive readiness


Teaching-Method–Centered Curriculum

Suzuki Piano School



Suzuki Piano School is extremely popular within the Suzuki community and emphasizes:

  • Learning by ear first

  • Imitation

  • Strong parental involvement

Important note:Suzuki is not a “plug-and-play” method. Teachers are typically required to complete formal Suzuki training and certification, which limits its use primarily to educators within that specialized network.



Modern and Creative Teaching-Oriented Methods

Hal Leonard Piano Method


Hal Leonard has gained increasing popularity among teachers in recent years due to:

  • Engaging and contemporary repertoire

  • Clear and logical progression

  • User-friendly and intuitive layout



Rapidly Growing Newer Methods

Piano Safari


Piano Safari has grown rapidly in popularity, especially among teachers who:

  • Emphasize musicality and movement

  • Focus on early technique, rhythm, and listening skills

  • Seek a more modern and creative approach to early piano education


Specialized Pedagogical Approaches

  1. Russian School of Piano Playing

  1. The Music Tree

  • Russian School of Piano Playing

    • Commonly used by teachers who emphasize classical tradition and technical development

    • Places strong demands on hand shape, tone production, and technique

  • The Music Tree

    • Highly reading-focused from the very beginning

    • Favored by teachers who prioritize systematic music reading skills early on


Final Thoughts: There Is No “Best” Method—Only the Right Fit

Every method book represents a specific teaching philosophy. What truly matters is not the book itself, but whether the teacher:

  • Understands the pedagogical intent behind the method

  • Adjusts materials to fit each student’s age, personality, and learning goals

  • Uses the method flexibly rather than being led by it

If you are a parent or teacher, I hope this overview helps you better understand the landscape of piano methods in the U.S. 


Written by Dr. Yanni Chan



 
 
 

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