10+ Best Piano Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce your little one to the world of music? Finding the right piano books for 3-year-olds can be a delightful adventure that sparks a lifelong love for music. In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of piano books designed specifically for toddlers, ensuring you find just the right fit for your budding musician. Keep reading to discover our handpicked selections that promise to make learning fun and engaging for your child!

Fun Piano Books for 3-Year-Olds

• My First Piano Adventure by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Illustrator: Victoria McArthur
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This series introduces the youngest students to the basics of piano playing and music theory through engaging songs, games, and creative discovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's designed specifically for young children, using colorful illustrations and fun activities to hold their interest while they learn.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners who are showing an interest in music and piano.

• Piano-K Play the Self-Teaching Piano Game for Kids by Victoria Mandly
  • Illustrator: Tammie Lyon
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This interactive book uses a game-based approach to teach children how to play the piano. Kids follow a series of simple lessons that guide them through the basics of piano playing.
  • Why we recommend this book: The gamification of learning makes the process enjoyable and engaging for kids, encouraging them to practice and improve.
  • Perfect for: Children who love games and activities, making learning to play the piano fun and exciting.

• Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: A method book for the earliest beginner, combining rote and note approaches. It includes engaging songs that are simple for young children to learn.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tried and true method that has been used for generations, known for its straightforward and effective approach to teaching piano basics.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are just starting out on the piano.

• Color Me Mozart! by Moa’z Elgawly
  • Illustrator: Amy Zhang
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book uses colors and shapes to teach children how to play the piano. Each note is associated with a color, making it easier for kids to understand and remember.
  • Why we recommend this book: The use of colors and shapes simplifies the learning process, making music theory accessible to very young children.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who respond well to visual learning aids and are interested in music.

Educational Piano Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Little Mozarts Go to Piano Lessons by Christine H. Barden, Gayle Kowalchyk, and E. L. Lancaster
  • Illustrator: Steve Smallman
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book introduces preschoolers to piano basics using a charming story about Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic music theory, piano key recognition, early note reading
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a narrative approach with music education, engaging children with characters they can love and follow.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy stories and are just beginning to explore the piano.

• Piano Time 1 by Pauline Hall
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: A beginner book that starts children at the very beginning, introducing them to the keys through fun tunes and exercises.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Finger strength and coordination, musical notation, rhythm
  • Why we recommend this book: It's paced perfectly for young learners, with clear instructions and gradual progression.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who need a gentle introduction to the piano without feeling overwhelmed.

• Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book, Level 1A by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Designed to give the basic skills to young pianists, this book covers everything from sitting at the piano to playing simple melodies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic piano techniques, early music theory, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive starter book that builds a solid foundation in a logical and accessible way.
  • Perfect for: Young students who are serious about learning the piano and need a structured approach.

Challenging Piano Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Book 1 by Barbara Kreader, Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, and Mona Rejino
  • Illustrator: Phillip Keveren
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to piano playing, featuring a mixture of popular songs and classical music.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces a wide range of musical concepts and techniques early on, which are advanced for a typical three-year-old.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses well-known songs to make learning engaging, and the progressive lessons build a strong musical foundation.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who are quick learners and need a challenge beyond the basics.

• The Music Tree: Time to Begin by Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Sam Holland
  • Illustrator: Louise Goss
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This method book is designed to develop musicality from the very first lesson, focusing on creative play and musical understanding.
  • Why this book is challenging: It emphasizes the development of listening skills and musical expression rather than just note reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It nurtures a deep understanding and appreciation of music from an early age, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
  • Perfect for: Children who show an early interest in music and its expressive potentials.

• Suzuki Piano School, Volume 1 by Dr. Shinichi Suzuki
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Based on Dr. Suzuki's mother-tongue approach, this book teaches children piano through listening, imitation, and repetition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires the student to develop a keen ear for music and the ability to mimic complex sounds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It fosters musical ability in a natural and enjoyable way, similar to the process of acquiring language.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who thrive in immersive learning environments and enjoy learning by ear.

• Bastien Piano Basics Primer Level by James Bastien
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This primer offers a gradual introduction to keyboard skills, note reading, and the fundamentals of music theory.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces reading music and playing simultaneously at a very early stage, which requires significant coordination and focus.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is structured to ensure steady progress, building confidence and skills gradually.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who are ready to dive into the world of music reading and piano playing.

• A Dozen a Day Preparatory Book by Edna-Mae Burnam
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book contains short warm-up exercises designed to build a strong pianistic foundation from the outset.
  • Why this book is challenging: The exercises focus on developing finger independence and strength, which are advanced for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes good piano habits and technique from the start, which is crucial for later success.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who need structured and focused practice routines to enhance their playing skills.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young children to the world of music through piano books can be an exciting journey. For 3-year-olds, it’s not just about pressing keys; it’s also about developing good reading habits that can enhance their learning experience. Here are some fun and engaging exercises designed specifically for this age group to complement their piano book adventures.

• Picture Walks Before Playing
  • What it is: Look through the piano book and discuss the pictures before starting to play.
  • How it helps: Encourages visual literacy and helps children make connections between images and music.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures to engage your child’s imagination and predictions.

• Follow the Leader
  • What it is: You play a note or a simple melody, and then your child tries to imitate it.
  • How it helps: Enhances auditory skills and memory, teaching attentiveness and musical recall.
  • Tips: Start with very simple notes or sequences and gradually increase complexity based on your child’s comfort level.

• Color-Coded Notes
  • What it is: Use different colored stickers or markers on the piano keys corresponding to the notes in the book.
  • How it helps: Makes it easier for young children to match the piano keys to the notes in their books.
  • Tips: Keep the color scheme consistent and simple; too many colors can be overwhelming.

• Sing Along Sessions
  • What it is: Sing the notes or any accompanying songs from the piano book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces rhythm and melody recognition, and makes the learning process enjoyable.
  • Tips: Change your voice to match different characters or emotions to make it more fun and engaging.

• Clap and Count
  • What it is: Clap out the rhythms of different songs or notes before playing them on the piano.
  • How it helps: Helps understand musical timing and prepares them for more rhythmic accuracy when playing.
  • Tips: Start with simple rhythms and as your child gets better, introduce mixed patterns.

These exercises are designed to make learning from piano books a multi-sensory experience for 3-year-olds, which is crucial at this developmental stage. By incorporating these fun activities, you not only enhance their musical skills but also foster a love for music that can last a lifetime. Encourage your little one to explore, play, and most importantly, have fun as they learn!