'fessing up now. I am learning piano. ( I can't be outdone by my dog now can I? )

So I have had a few (4 actually) lessons and am thinking it might be useful to get a book of fairly easy pieces. (Maybe so I can wow you all at a future adult learners concert )

I'm sure many of you can suggest ideas to me. I was thinking of something that maybe had a selection of pieces from Grade 1ish level and upwards, so it would keep me going for a while. Possibly pieces that were on the AB list either in the past or the additional pieces not in the Grade books, and pieces that were really nice and musical. Maybe this is too much to expect in one book

Anyway any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks

Have a look at Classics to Moderns book one (or More C to M same).

Waterman - Harewood Young Pianist's repertoire book one.

AB Romantic Sketchbook bk one

various other AB collections eg More Romantic pieces, Keyboard Anthology etc.

Music Through Time book one

might be something here.
Enjoy!

You could try some of the AB collection type books eg. Romantic Pieces for Piano, or A Romantic Sketchbook for Piano. These are mainly classical (as opposed to jazzy) pieces, varying in difficulty up to about G2. They have the added advantage that they are not too expensive as they are AB publications.

I see Maggiemay has beaten me to it!

Thanks both.

They look ideal.

And try looking on ebay. I have just bought Classics to Moderns for 99p

I shall follow your progress with interest, Jane. You might like to try Denis Agay's "The Joy of Piano" - 72 pieces, a good variety of styles and technique, up to about grade 2/3. I find these are good for adults as you can really consolidate the basics without getting bored to death by the small repertoire in tutor books.

Faber have just brought out a fairly new series of publications of books for piano "The best of grade..." containing pieces that have been used in the past few years for Grade exams. See here for the link to the Grade 1 book. You can buy a book per grade.

I've just bought two (Grade 1 and Grade 2) for some of my pupils who are beginning to be ready to work for the real thing. These books will allow them to work on music of the right standard before we "go live" with the real thing. Many of the pieces can, of course, be found in other books and suggestions from others in response to your message are good too.

The thing I like about the book from Faber is it collects pieces already known to be of the right standard together in one publication.

Hope you get on well - keep us posted on your progress.

I hadn't heard of these books - will definitely investigate. Thanks oboist.

Thanks...some more great suggestions. I feel I may be spending some money soon

<goes to Ebay>

The "Hours with the Masters" series is good.

You might like to look at Rene Stoym's "Descriptive Pieces". One or two have some tricky rhythms to master, but apart from that they are straightforward, and great fun to play. Thet have gone down well with both adults and children that I have taught. A bit more tuneful than MikroKosmos!

Yes this is an excellent series - highly recommended! Another one that's quite easy to pick up second hand as well

I see you've had a lot of suggestions and probably are spoilt for choice, but may I suggest my favourite book at the moment?

The Best of Martha Mier Book 2
"A Special collection of 7 late elementary to early intermediate Favourite Piano Solos"

It's great!

Yes I am rather, but nevertheless keep them coming. I looked on MusicRoom to see what was in some of the volumes and I did quite like the look of Hours with the Masters, but this is great. I might try and see if I can get any out the library to try.

Thirded!

Also exactly the same pieces everyone else has recommended! I'm not 100% sure, but I think that the Volume Number on the front of 'Hours with the Masters' tends to be one less grade than the standard of the pieces inside, so you'd actually be starting on Grade 2 with Volume 1. Maybe it's because it is the 'Hours with the Masters'... But if that's the first book you start with, you hardly notice anyway, and should make Grade 1 extra easy.

~Wobby~

Most of my favourites have been mentioned, but just some that haven't.

Really Easy Jazzin About - Wedgwood (highly recommended)
UpGrade 0-1 and 1-2 - also by Wedgwood
Piano Time Classics

Thanks everyone. A fantastic response, lots to look for and think about.

It's a good series for classical style playing, but make sure you get other styles as well if you choose it. I was brought up on "Hours with the Masters"!