8 Piano Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Mark Davis's decades of experience as a jazz pianist and educator culminate in this method book designed to bring you from basic piano skills to jazz fluency. You’ll work through essential theory, chords, voicings, and improvisation techniques, with audio examples that make abstract concepts tangible. For instance, the chapters on interpreting lead sheets and jazz rhythm forms offer hands-on ways to deepen your understanding of jazz structure. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to grasp jazz vocabulary or an intermediate player aiming to refine your soloing, this book provides a structured pathway without overwhelming you with jargon.

Pianist-composer Jeremy Siskind, a two-time laureate of the American Pianists Association, wrote this book to guide pianists through their crucial first six months of jazz piano study. The book breaks down improvisation, chord symbols, swing rhythm, comping, and more into manageable lessons, exercises, and listening guides, making complex concepts accessible. You’ll find detailed practice plans alongside frequently asked questions and exclusive video content, which help clarify tricky techniques and keep your progress structured. If you’re comfortable with major scales and ready to deepen your jazz skills, this book provides a clear path, though it demands commitment and some prior piano experience.

This tailored book explores customized piano learning methods crafted to match your unique experience and musical aspirations. It examines essential techniques, repertoire choices, practice routines, and stylistic nuances, all aligned with your background and goals. By focusing on your interests and skill level, it reveals pathways to deepen your musicality and technical mastery effectively. This personalized guide bridges broad piano expertise with your individual journey, making complex concepts accessible and relevant. Whether you're aiming to refine classical precision or explore jazz improvisation, it adapts expert knowledge into a tailored plan that supports your growth and keeps your passion at the center of progress.

Unlike most piano books that focus solely on technical exercises, this work by Jeremy Siskind offers a fresh perspective on solo jazz piano through a rich blend of tradition and innovation. You dive into diverse concepts like stride piano, one-handed shell voicings, and comping, alongside modern techniques such as perpetual motion and counterpoint, all illustrated with over 200 musical examples. The book also guides you through integrating classical influences into jazz improvisation, making it a valuable resource for pianists eager to expand their creative vocabulary. If you seek to develop both your left-hand independence and your musical storytelling, this book provides thoughtful frameworks without overwhelming jargon.

Nancy and Randall Faber, both deeply rooted in music education, crafted this Level 2A book set to bridge foundational piano skills with expressive artistry. You’ll find a blend of lessons that sharpen technique, theory exercises that reinforce reading skills, and performance pieces designed to cultivate musicality beyond mere notes. For example, the technique and artistry book encourages you to explore dynamics and phrasing, nurturing a more emotive playing style. This set benefits young pianists ready to move past beginner basics and teachers seeking a structured yet engaging curriculum to support developing musicianship.

Mauro Costa’s experience as a pianist and educator shines through in this collection tailored for beginners eager to engage with classical music without being overwhelmed. He carefully simplifies 37 iconic pieces, preserving their melodic essence while including fingering and melodic guidance that eases the learning process. You’ll find a thoughtful progression in difficulty, which gently challenges your skills and keeps motivation high through recognizable melodies. This book suits new pianists and teachers looking for an accessible, well-structured repertoire to build foundational technique and confidence.

This tailored book explores step-by-step jazz piano exercises designed specifically to match your playing style and goals. It covers foundational techniques, improvisation patterns, chord voicings, and rhythmic nuances, all selected to reinforce your individual learning path. By weaving together essential jazz piano concepts with exercises that focus on your unique interests, this personalized volume ensures you engage deeply with material that resonates with your current skill level and musical preferences. Through a combination of targeted practice routines and explorations of jazz harmony and phrasing, this book reveals pathways to develop fluidity and creativity at the keyboard. Its tailored approach helps you build confidence and mastery by addressing your specific objectives and preferred jazz styles, making your learning both efficient and inspiring.

Morton Manus, with decades steering Alfred Music Publishing, crafted this course to offer adult beginners a well-rounded piano education in a single volume. You’ll explore not just playing techniques but also music theory and finger exercises, creating a solid foundation for piano skills. The book balances classic tunes like "Amazing Grace" with folk and contemporary pieces, making practice varied and engaging. Each lesson builds logically, integrating chord theory and stylistic elements that help you understand the music beyond just notes. This book suits adults eager to progress steadily with a structured approach, though those seeking purely advanced repertoire might look elsewhere.

What happens when biographers Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger turn their lens on Oscar Levant, a brilliantly gifted yet deeply troubled pianist and entertainer? This book dives into Levant’s complex life, blending his artistic triumphs with the darker undercurrents of his personal struggles. You’ll gain insight into the contradictions that shaped Levant’s music and public persona, with detailed chapters exploring his career milestones alongside his battles with mental health. If you’re drawn to the interplay of genius and vulnerability in musical history, this biography offers a nuanced portrait that doesn’t shy away from the messiness of Levant’s story.

Taylor Swift's status as a Grammy Award-winning artist informs this collection of easy piano arrangements spanning her career through the "Midnights" album. You’ll find 26 songs thoughtfully adapted for players seeking accessible versions, complete with lyrics to enhance your connection to each piece. This anthology offers a practical way to engage with Taylor’s narrative songwriting and melodic style, making it ideal if you want to explore popular music on piano without advanced technical demands. Whether you’re an intermediate player or a fan eager to bring her hits to life at the keyboard, this book delivers approachable arrangements that balance musicality with playability.