8 New Keyboard Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Scott Currier, with over 40 years of piano expertise and a classical background enriched by jazz studies, teamed up with publisher Troy Nelson to create this accessible keyboard primer. You’ll progress through 20 lessons that gradually introduce music reading, chords, scales, and playing with both hands, all illustrated with large-print notes and supported by downloadable audio tracks. For example, early lessons focus on familiar melodies to ease you into reading treble and bass clefs, while bonus chapters encourage songwriting basics. This approach suits anyone from young beginners to adults wanting a gentle yet structured introduction to keyboard playing.

What started as a straightforward guide for beginners became a concise, focused manual by Samuel K Leonard M. Ed that breaks down keyboard fundamentals into digestible parts. You learn essential keyboard techniques and terminology that demystify the instrument for aspiring musicians and producers. Specific chapters guide you through basic hand positioning and note recognition, making it accessible even if you've never touched a keyboard before. This book suits anyone starting their music-making journey or needing a quick reference without overwhelming detail. If you’re looking for an entry point rather than advanced theory, this manual keeps things simple and effective.

This tailored book explores the latest developments and breakthrough keyboard techniques emerging in 2025, crafted to match your background and musical interests. It examines new discoveries in keyboard playing and creation, revealing how contemporary approaches are shaping the evolving landscape of keyboard music. By focusing on your specific goals and preferred sub-topics, the book offers a personalized exploration of cutting-edge skills and creative methods that are defining this year's keyboard revolution. Readers will engage deeply with fresh concepts and refined practices that keep them at the forefront of keyboard artistry and innovation.

Unlike most keyboard instruction books that focus solely on technique, Joanne Kanigowski’s approach integrates playing songs, music reading, theory, and improvisation in a unified learning experience. You’ll find chapters dedicated to popular songs that help you apply theory and technical exercises directly, making practice engaging and practical. The included 30+ play-along video lessons add a dynamic component, allowing you to develop timing and confidence alongside visual guidance. This book suits absolute beginners seeking a well-rounded foundation, though those looking for highly advanced techniques might find it less challenging.

Lee Davis brings his expertise as an educator focused on beginners to this 2023 guide, crafted specifically for those just starting with keyboard or piano. You’ll learn foundational skills like proper hand positioning, scales, chords, and note reading, all laid out with clear explanations and standard music notation. The inclusion of online video tutorials and audio performances at varied speeds helps you internalize technique and rhythm effectively. This book suits absolute novices who want a straightforward, accessible entry into keyboard playing without being overwhelmed by jargon or complexity.

Lord Hiram crafted this notebook specifically for metal keyboardists, inspired by the need to capture the genre's complex and intense arrangements. You get dual pentagrams—one for each hand—to manage intricate melodies and harmonies typical in metal music. The spacious pages and durable design support detailed compositions, whether you’re sketching riffs or full arrangements. This isn’t just any music notebook; it’s tailored for the high-energy demands and precision of metal keyboard playing. If you’re serious about composing in this niche, you’ll appreciate the focused structure that helps you translate your sonic ideas into notation with clarity.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of keyboard playing in 2025, offering insights perfectly aligned with your role and musical objectives. It examines emerging techniques, new discoveries, and cutting-edge knowledge, all curated to match your background and focus areas. By concentrating on your specific interests, it reveals how the latest advances can enhance your playing and creativity. The personalized content invites you to engage deeply with relevant innovations, fostering a forward-thinking approach to your keyboard skills and artistry. This focused exploration supports your growth by bringing together fresh perspectives and practical understanding crafted just for you.

When Daniel Turner discovered that many keyboard players plateaued in their comfort zones, he crafted this book to bridge the gap between amateur and professional playing. You’ll learn how to master keyboard chords and scales with the finesse of iconic artists like Ray Manzarek and Geddy Lee, focusing on the distinct skills that separate beginners from pros. Turner emphasizes the necessity of continuous effort and progression, illustrating how comfort with the keyboard isn’t enough to reach legendary status. If you’re serious about evolving your technique beyond basics and cultivating a commanding presence on the instrument, this guide offers targeted insights to help you advance your musical journey.

What started as the author's effort to unify his four bestselling keyboard tutorials into a single resource has resulted in an extensive guide tailored for absolute beginners. Martin Woodward draws from years of teaching experience to walk you through everything from choosing your very first keyboard to mastering basic music theory and playing techniques. Chapters cover reading music, finger exercises with audio aids, chord construction, and playing from a Fake Book, offering a foundation to explore genres like jazz, blues, and classical. This book suits anyone ready to commit to learning keyboard fundamentals comprehensively and prepares you for more advanced study.

Piotr Tadrzynski draws on extensive experience to present a thorough collection of piano and keyboard exercises that fuse technique with music theory. You’ll find over 600 exercises covering scales, chords, arpeggios, harmonization, cadences, and more, organized carefully across all major and minor keys. The book stands out for its detailed fingerings and theoretical introductions before each exercise, which help you understand not just how to play but why. Whether you’re just starting or looking to polish your skills, this book offers structured practice that targets precision, finger speed, and musicality, making it a solid companion for advancing your piano technique.