10+ Best Piano Books for 5-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 5-year-olds can be a game-changer in sparking a lifelong love for playing piano. Whether you’re aiming to teach them the basics or just want to make learning fun, we’ve got a variety of options that will suit your needs. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of piano books that are just right for 5-year-olds!

Fun Piano Books for 5-Year-Olds

• My First Piano Adventure by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This series introduces young children to the piano through fun songs, games, and adventures. It uses engaging activities to teach the basics of piano playing and music theory.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's specifically designed for young beginners, making learning the piano an exciting and rewarding experience that enhances their love for music.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are showing an interest in music and parents looking for a structured, fun way to introduce piano lessons.

• Piano Book for Kids 5 & Up - Beginner Level by Damon Ferrante
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This beginner book provides a step-by-step lesson plan for young pianists, including colorful illustrations and familiar songs which make the learning process enjoyable.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps build a solid foundation in music theory and piano techniques through engaging and easy-to-follow lessons.
  • Perfect for: Beginners eager to learn piano and parents seeking an effective and engaging teaching tool for their children.

• Teaching Little Fingers to Play by John Thompson
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: A classic piano tutor book that has been used for decades, it introduces the fundamentals of piano playing to the youngest students in a straightforward and enjoyable manner.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its proven methods and accessible content make piano learning simple and fun for kids, encouraging them to continue exploring music.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners and children interested in learning piano basics through a tried and true method.

• Alfred's Basic Piano Library Lesson Book, Level 1A by Willard A. Palmer, Morton Manus, and Amanda Vick Lethco
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book begins with basic notation and progresses through melodies, scales, and chords, tailored for beginners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a gradual approach to music reading, blending it with appealing songs and graphics to hold a young learner’s interest.
  • Perfect for: Young piano students who are just starting their musical journey and need a comprehensive, step-by-step introduction.

• Piano-K Play the Self-Teaching Piano Game for Kids by Victoria Mandly
  • Genre(s): Educational, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This innovative book includes a visual guide to the piano keyboard and uses a game-based approach to teach children how to play.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its interactive, game-style learning format makes the piano accessible and enjoyable, helping kids to engage actively with music.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive learning and games, making their first steps in music fun and memorable.

Educational Piano Books for 5-Year-Olds

• The Little Pianist: A Journey Through Music by Kathryn Page
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This charming book follows the journey of a young child learning the piano, incorporating basic music theory and piano techniques through a story-driven approach.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic piano skills, music theory, listening skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines storytelling with music education, making the learning process captivating and less intimidating for young children.
  • Perfect for: Young beginners who enjoy narrative-driven learning and parents looking for a gentle introduction to music lessons for their children.

• Playtime Piano: Popular by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book offers a collection of popular songs arranged specifically for young pianists, encouraging them to engage with familiar melodies while learning basic piano skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Finger strength, rhythm, and musical expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It features popular, catchy tunes that motivate children to practice and enjoy their piano sessions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are motivated by playing songs they recognize and those who enjoy singing along while they learn.

• First Lessons in Bach by Walter Carroll
  • Genre(s): Educational, Classical Music
  • Synopsis: Comprised of selections from Bach's works, this book introduces young pianists to classical music through easy arrangements suitable for beginners.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Classical music appreciation, hand coordination, musicality
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an excellent introduction to classical music, providing a solid foundation in the stylistic techniques of Bach.
  • Perfect for: Young students with an interest in classical music and those looking to develop a strong technical base in piano.

• A Dozen a Day: Book 1 by Edna-Mae Burnam
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book consists of short, playful exercises that help improve piano playing skills and technique from the very beginning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Finger independence, agility, and piano technique
  • Why we recommend this book: Its exercises are designed to be engaging and manageable for young children, ensuring they can progress at a comfortable pace.
  • Perfect for: Beginners needing structured, incremental exercises to build their piano skills effectively and enjoyably.

• Piano Adventures: My First Piano Adventure - Writing Book A by Nancy Faber and Randall Faber
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Accompanying the lesson books, this writing book reinforces musical concepts through writing, drawing, and coloring activities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Music theory, creativity, notation
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances understanding of musical concepts through interactive and creative activities that complement hands-on piano learning.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who benefit from a multi-sensory approach to learning, incorporating both visual arts and music.

Challenging Piano Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Bastien Piano Basics: Piano for the Young Beginner Primer A by James Bastien
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young pianists to the very basics of piano playing through an engaging and systematic approach.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces musical concepts and piano techniques at a pace that is fast yet manageable for advanced young learners.
  • Why we recommend this book: It effectively builds a strong foundation in piano playing while keeping the learning process exciting and progressive.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who are quick learners and need a more accelerated learning curve.

• The Music Tree: Time to Begin by Frances Clark, Louise Goss, and Sam Holland
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Tailored for beginners, this book uses a unique approach to reading music and introduces playing concepts gradually.
  • Why this book is challenging: It employs a novel approach to music reading that requires the student to think and act more independently from the start.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deep understanding and appreciation of music from the very beginning, fostering a lifelong passion for piano.
  • Perfect for: Young students who thrive on comprehensive learning and those who benefit from a conceptual approach to music education.

• Suzuki Piano School, Vol. 1 by Shinichi Suzuki
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Based on Dr. Suzuki's mother-tongue approach, this volume starts children at a young age on the piano, focusing on listening before reading music.
  • Why this book is challenging: It emphasizes listening skills and memorization, offering a different challenge than traditional piano methods.
  • Why we recommend this book: It nurtures aural skills and develops a strong musical ear, which is crucial for advanced music learning.
  • Perfect for: Children who are auditory learners and those whose parents can actively participate in their musical education.

• Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Book 1 by Barbara Kreader, Fred Kern, Phillip Keveren, and Mona Rejino
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: This comprehensive book provides a balanced approach to keyboard study by focusing on the development of the student's reading skills and musicality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes a variety of musical styles and technical challenges that are designed to develop a broad skill set.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a diverse and enriching curriculum that keeps students engaged and eager to learn more.
  • Perfect for: Young pianists who enjoy a challenge and parents looking for a well-rounded musical education for their children.

• John Thompson's Easiest Piano Course Part 1 by John Thompson
  • Genre(s): Educational, Music
  • Synopsis: Designed to present the easiest possible approach to piano playing, this book features fun characters and illustrations to engage young learners.
  • Why this book is challenging: Despite its title, the progression is quick and demands attention and practice from the student.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes learning playful and visually appealing, which helps maintain the interest and motivation of young children.
  • Perfect for: Beginners who are looking for a fun and engaging introduction to the piano but are ready to move quickly through the basics.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing your little one to the world of music through piano books can be both exciting and educational. However, it's not just about hitting the right notes; it's also about developing good reading habits that will help them understand and enjoy music more deeply. Here are some tailored exercises designed specifically for 5-year-olds to enhance their reading skills while using piano books:

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: Before reading the book, flip through the pages and talk about the pictures.
  • How it helps: Encourages prediction skills and sets a purpose for reading.
  • Tips: Ask questions about what they think will happen next based on the pictures.

• Spot the Note
  • What it is: Find and point out specific notes or symbols on the page.
  • How it helps: Helps with note recognition and reinforces learning.
  • Tips: Turn it into a game by rewarding them with a sticker for every correct note they find.

• Sing the Words
  • What it is: Read the book aloud together but sing the words to the tune of the song they are learning.
  • How it helps: Enhances phonemic awareness and can improve memory and recall.
  • Tips: Keep the tempo slow to ensure they are catching all the words.

• Match the Sound
  • What it is: Play a note on the piano and have them find the corresponding note in the book.
  • How it helps: Strengthens audio-visual connection and aids in musical literacy.
  • Tips: Start with simple notes and gradually increase the difficulty as they improve.

• Story Composer
  • What it is: Create a short story using the musical terms and symbols from the book.
  • How it helps: Boosts creativity and helps in understanding musical terms.
  • Tips: Encourage them to use their imagination freely; there's no wrong story.

These exercises are not just fun but are stepping stones to building a strong foundation in music reading and appreciation. Remember, the key is to keep the sessions light and enjoyable, so your child remains engaged and eager to learn. Happy playing and reading!