10+ Best Beginner Piano Books for 6-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect beginner piano books for 6-year-olds? Starting the musical journey early is a fantastic way to spark a lifelong love for music, and choosing the right books can make all the difference. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or teacher, finding age-appropriate material that engages and educates is key. Keep reading as we delve into various lists of beginner piano books for 6-year-olds that are sure to hit the right note with your budding pianist!

Fun Beginner Piano Books for 6-Year-Olds

• My First Piano Adventure by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Illustrator: Victoria McArthur
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This series introduces young children to the piano through fun songs, games, and adventures. It uses engaging activities to teach the basics of music and piano playing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed specifically for young beginners, using colorful illustrations and stories to make learning the piano fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to explore the world of music and the piano.

• Piano Book for Kids 5 & Up - Beginner Level by Damon Ferrante
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beginner book offers a step-by-step guide on reading music and playing the piano. It includes lessons, theory, and exercises tailored for young beginners.
  • Why we recommend this book: The book uses a clear, simple approach that makes it easy for kids to follow along and enjoy their progress.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in learning piano basics in a structured, straightforward manner.

• Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: A classic piano tutor book which has been used for decades to introduce young children to piano playing. It includes easy-to-play melodies and introduces basic musical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tried and tested resource that has helped many young pianists start their musical journey with confidence.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners who need a gentle introduction to the piano with easy-to-understand instructions.

• Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1A by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book begins with the fundamentals of music notation and progresses to playing simple pieces on the piano.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's part of a comprehensive series that carefully sequences lessons to build skills progressively, which is ideal for young learners.
  • Perfect for: Children who are ready to dive deeper into piano playing and musical understanding.

• Piano-K Play the Self-Teaching Piano Game for Kids by Victoria Mandly
  • Illustrator: Taryn Johnson
  • Genre(s): Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This innovative book uses a game-based approach to teach piano basics. It includes stickers and visual aids to help children learn notes and rhythms.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns learning into an interactive and enjoyable game, which can be particularly motivating for kids.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who thrive with interactive and visually engaging educational tools.

Educational Beginner Piano Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Book 1 by Barbara Kreader, Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, and Mona Rejino
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book is part of a comprehensive piano method that uses engaging music, illustrations, and detailed instructions to introduce piano basics to young students.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic piano skills, music reading, rhythm, and musical expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It is structured in a way that makes learning piano accessible and fun for young children, with plenty of supportive visuals and enjoyable songs.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners looking for a friendly and comprehensive introduction to piano.

• The Music Tree Student’s Book: Part 1 by Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Sam Holland
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This innovative piano method book focuses on developing musicality and keyboard skills through engaging activities and creative practice.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Musical notation, rhythm, creativity in music, and keyboard familiarity
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a unique approach that emphasizes the growth of musical understanding alongside technical skills.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy a creative and holistic approach to learning music.

• Bastien Piano Basics Primer Level by James Bastien
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: Designed for the complete beginner, this book introduces children to the very basics of piano playing and music theory.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic music theory, piano technique, and note reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It is particularly praised for its clear layout and gradual progression, which helps build confidence in young pianists.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who need a straightforward, step-by-step introduction to playing the piano.

• A Dozen a Day Book 1 by Edna-Mae Burnam
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book provides short, motivating exercises, each designed to practice and strengthen skills needed for piano performance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Finger independence, motor skills, and musicality
  • Why we recommend this book: The exercises are playful and progressively challenging, making practice sessions both fun and productive.
  • Perfect for: Young piano students who need engaging, daily practice to improve their playing skills.

Challenging Beginner Piano Books for 6-Year-Olds

• Lang Lang Piano Academy: Mastering the Piano, Level 1 by Lang Lang
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: Part of a five-book series, this level focuses on techniques needed for young pianists to develop foundational piano skills.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a mix of technical drills, studies, and pieces that challenge coordination and musical expression at an early age.
  • Why we recommend this book: Lang Lang's approach is inspirational, combining high standards with fun, which can motivate young pianists to practice and improve.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who are looking for a challenge and inspiration from one of the world's most famous contemporary pianists.

• John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course Part 1 by John Thompson
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book is designed as a fun introduction to the piano for young children, featuring colorful characters and illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It moves quickly through musical concepts and encourages independence in learning and playing.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's engaging with its playful aspects yet rigorous enough to provide a solid foundation in piano basics.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are ready to start their musical journey with a bit of a challenge in a fun, engaging way.

• Piano Adventures, Primer Level - Lesson Book by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This primer introduces young students to the keyboard, note values, and the basics of reading music.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes diverse musical styles and techniques that can be demanding for beginners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's well-structured and progressively builds a student's confidence and skill level, making complex concepts accessible.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who are fast learners and could benefit from a comprehensive, challenging curriculum.

• Suzuki Piano School, Volume 1 by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: Based on Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy that young children can learn music in a nurturing environment similar to language acquisition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It emphasizes listening, repetition, and gradual progression of skills, which requires discipline and focus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique approach to music learning that is holistic and immersive, ideal for developing musicianship from a young age.
  • Perfect for: Children and parents interested in a rigorous, immersive approach to piano learning that extends beyond traditional methods.

• The Royal Conservatory Level 1 Celebration Series by The Royal Conservatory of Music
  • Genre(s): Music, Educational
  • Synopsis: This collection includes a variety of pieces selected to showcase musical form, technique, and expression as taught in the conservatory curriculum.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a wide range of classical and contemporary composers, requiring students to adapt to various styles and techniques.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides exposure to high-quality music literature, fostering an appreciation and understanding of diverse musical expressions.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who are serious about developing a robust repertoire and a deep understanding of musical forms and styles.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Starting your 6-year-old on the piano journey is exciting, and pairing it with the right beginner books can make all the difference! Here are some engaging exercises to help your little one develop good reading habits for piano music. These exercises are designed to be fun and educational, ensuring a smooth musical journey.

• Color-Coded Notes
  • What it is: Use different colored stickers or markers to highlight each note on the music sheet.
  • How it helps: This visual aid helps children distinguish between notes and remember their positions more easily.
  • Tips: Keep the color coding consistent across all music sheets to avoid confusion.

• Note Name Games
  • What it is: Create flashcards with note names and have your child match them to piano keys.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the name and position of each note on the piano, enhancing sight-reading skills.
  • Tips: Turn it into a fun game by timing how fast they can correctly match all notes.

• Follow the Leader
  • What it is: Play a simple melody and have your child repeat it on the piano.
  • How it helps: Improves listening skills and aids in learning musical notation by connecting what they hear to what they see on the page.
  • Tips: Start with very short melodies and gradually increase the length as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Rhythm Clapping
  • What it is: Clap out the rhythms of different bars from the piano book before playing them.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand rhythmic patterns and tempo, which are crucial for playing any musical piece correctly.
  • Tips: Clap along with your child to make it a fun, interactive activity.

• Musical Alphabet Soup
  • What it is: Place letters (A-G) in a bowl and have your child draw them to identify notes on the piano.
  • How it helps: Strengthens the association between musical notes and their corresponding piano keys.
  • Tips: Encourage your child to say the note out loud as they play it to reinforce learning.

These exercises, when paired with beginner piano books, will not only make learning more enjoyable but also ensure that your child develops effective music reading habits from the start. Remember, the key is consistency and making sure practice sessions are fun and engaging. Enjoy the musical journey with your little one!