the complete piano player course by kenneth baker goes up to book 5, has anyone used this course and would they reccomend it for a novice or are there better courses out there.i will try to use a tutor perhaps every three weeks, is this a realistic approach due to my finances being a bit tight at the moment,or should i just use the books

I haven't come across the piano course that you mention, but perhaps someone else can comment. But you could explore the Michael Aaron beginner course for adults. It does move along rather quickly though.

Yes, do go to a tutor! Every three weeks is far better than not at all, when you won't know what bad habits you are getting into. And if you could start off with a tutor, he / she will be able to recommend which book/s are going to be best for you.

Good luck!

Welcome to the forums, by the way!

I have used the book you mention, and I have to say it is far from being my favourite.

Students who have used it have been happy to change to a different method by the end of the first book. The names of notes written in on the staves, for example, is visually 'cluttered', very quickly becomes annoying, and is really not needed by most students.

And yes, I would try to have some lessons too, if you possibly can.

Hi there, I used Aldred's All in One Piano course and found it really great, it covers theory and technique also. I did have a tutor but to be honest in those early days I rpobably only managed a lesson about once a month, not by choice but my teacher was always so busy.

I was able to move along easy without my teacher and to be honest I still go back to the book even now when I am feeling like I am having a tough time on piano.

If you can get a teacher every 3 weeks then I definitely would do that as they can point out when you go wrong, otherwise you could end up practising and you may be practising a piece incorrect, for example timing and rhythm.

Good Luck.

ET

My teacher has started me with Michael Aaron's book for adults and I really like it. Many of the pieces are written by Michael Aaron and I think they're lovely. There are also arrangements of well-known pieces.