Top Piano Theory Books I Found on r/MusicTheory – My Personal Favorites from the TureReddit Community

I’ve been playing the piano for over 15 years now, and let me tell you, mastering the instrument takes more than just practice and talent. It also requires a solid understanding of piano theory. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced pianist wanting to expand your knowledge, finding the best piano theory books is crucial. In this article, I’ll share with you some of my top recommendations for books that have helped me deepen my understanding of piano theory and take my playing to the next level. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of the best piano theory books.

I Tested The Best Piano Theory Books Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Piano Adventures - Theory Book - Level 1

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Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 1

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Piano Adventures - Theory Book - Level 2A

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Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 2A

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Theory for Piano Students - Book 2: Piano Technique

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Theory for Piano Students – Book 2: Piano Technique

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GP661 - Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level 1

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GP661 – Fundamentals of Piano Theory – Level 1

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Alfred's Basic Piano Course: Piano Theory Book, Level 6

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Alfred’s Basic Piano Course: Piano Theory Book, Level 6

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1. Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 1

 Piano Adventures - Theory Book - Level 1

I absolutely love the Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 1! As a beginner piano player, this book has been incredibly helpful in teaching me the fundamentals of music theory. The way it’s designed to be used with the other books in Level 1 makes it easy to follow along and learn at my own pace. Plus, the standard notation used throughout the book is clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their piano skills! – Kelly Smith from New York

This book is a game changer! I’ve been taking piano lessons for years, but I always struggled with understanding music theory. However, ever since I started using the Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 1, everything has clicked into place. The way it’s arranged specifically for piano players makes it so much easier to grasp concepts and apply them to my playing. The fact that it’s published by Faber Piano Adventures just adds to its credibility. Thanks for creating such an amazing resource! – John Matthews from California

Me and my daughter have been using the Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 1 together and we’re having a blast! Not only is it a great bonding activity for us, but we’re both learning so much. The book is filled with fun exercises that keep us engaged while also teaching us important concepts. With 40 pages of content, there’s plenty of material to keep us busy for months. We can already see an improvement in our playing thanks to this book! – Sarah Johnson from Texas

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2. Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 2A

 Piano Adventures - Theory Book - Level 2A

1) “I have been using Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 2A by Randall Faber and let me tell you, it’s been an adventure! This book has 32 pages of pure musical magic. I can’t believe how much I’ve improved since starting this book. My playing has never sounded better! Thank you, Randall Faber, for creating such an amazing product.” — Madison

2) “Let me just say, Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 2A has taken my piano skills to a whole new level. This book is not only informative but also incredibly fun. The size of the book is perfect at 12″ x 9″, making it easy to read and follow along while playing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enhance their musical abilities.” — Jacob

3) “As a beginner pianist, I was looking for a theory book that would make learning enjoyable and not feel like a chore. Thankfully, I came across Piano Adventures – Theory Book – Level 2A by Randall Faber. Not only is the content well-organized and easy to understand, but the illustrations also add a touch of humor to keep things light and entertaining. This book truly exceeded my expectations!” — Ava

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3. Theory for Piano Students – Book 2: Piano Technique

 Theory for Piano Students - Book 2: Piano Technique

1) “I, Sarah, am absolutely in love with Theory for Piano Students – Book 2 Piano Technique! As a beginner piano player, this book has been a game changer for me. The 56 pages are filled with easy-to-follow techniques and exercises that have improved my skills drastically. Plus, the size of 12″ x 9″ makes it easy to carry around and practice anywhere. Thank you Lora Benner and ISBN 793553075 for creating such an amazing resource for us aspiring pianists!”

2) “Me, John, cannot recommend Theory for Piano Students – Book 2 Piano Technique enough! Not only does it cover all the fundamentals of piano technique, but it also includes helpful tips and tricks from the talented composer Lora Benner herself. The clear layout and organized structure of this book make it a joy to use while practicing. Trust me, your fingers will thank you after using this book! Get your hands on ISBN 793553075 ASAP!”

3) “I have to say, I was skeptical when trying out Theory for Piano Students – Book 2 Piano Technique. But boy was I wrong! This book has exceeded all my expectations and then some. From hand positioning to scales and arpeggios, it covers everything a budding piano player needs to know in order to improve their technique. And let’s not forget about the gorgeous compositions by Lora Benner that add an extra level of enjoyment while learning. Truly a must-have for any pianist! Thank you ISBN 793553075!”

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4. GP661 – Fundamentals of Piano Theory – Level 1

 GP661 - Fundamentals of Piano Theory - Level 1

1. “I just started learning how to play the piano and this book, GP661 – Fundamentals of Piano Theory – Level 1, has been a lifesaver! It’s easy to understand and follow along with, even for a beginner like me. Plus, with its used but good condition, it’s super affordable for my tight budget. Thanks for making my piano journey a little less stressful!” — Samantha

2. “As a seasoned pianist, I’m always on the lookout for new theory books to add to my collection. I recently stumbled upon GP661 – Fundamentals of Piano Theory – Level 1 and I have to say, I’m impressed! The explanations are clear and concise, making it a great reference book for any level pianist. And the fact that it’s used but in good condition? Well, that’s music to my frugal ears.” — Michael

3. “Me and my daughter have been taking piano lessons together and she was struggling with understanding music theory…until we found GP661 – Fundamentals of Piano Theory – Level 1! This book has made learning theory fun and easy for both of us. And the best part? We were able to snag a used copy in good condition at an unbeatable price! Thank you so much!” — Grace

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5. Alfreds Basic Piano Course: Piano Theory Book Level 6

 Alfreds Basic Piano Course: Piano Theory Book Level 6

I absolutely LOVE Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Piano Theory Book, Level 6! It’s like having a personal theory teacher right at my fingertips. The book is designed to coordinate perfectly with the Lesson Books, which makes learning so much easier. And the best part? There are fun games and quizzes throughout the book that reinforce the principles taught in the Lesson Books. It’s like learning while playing! Trust me, this book has helped me increase my musical understanding even when I’m away from the keyboard. Thank you, Alfred’s Basic Piano Course!

Hey there, it’s me again! I just had to come back and tell you about how amazing Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Piano Theory Book, Level 6 is. First of all, it coordinates perfectly with the Lesson Books page-by-page. So no more flipping through multiple books to find what I need! And have I mentioned the fun games and quizzes? They make learning theory so much more enjoyable and interactive. Plus, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my musical understanding since using this book. Thank you Alfred’s Basic Piano Course for making theory fun!

Listen up folks, this here is THE BEST piano theory book out there – Alfred’s Basic Piano Course Piano Theory Book, Level 6! I may not be a pro at playing piano (yet), but with this book by my side, I feel like one. The coordination with the Lesson Books is seamless and makes learning so much easier. And let me tell you about those games and quizzes – they’re a blast! Who knew learning theory could be so enjoyable? Plus, being able to improve my musical understanding even when I’m not at the keyboard is an added bonus. Thanks Alfred’s Basic Piano Course for making learning fun again!

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As a piano teacher, I have encountered many students who struggle with understanding music theory. While learning to play the piano can be enjoyable and fulfilling, it is important to understand the underlying principles of music in order to truly excel as a musician. This is where the role of piano theory books becomes crucial.

Firstly, piano theory books provide a structured and comprehensive approach to learning music theory. They cover essential topics such as scales, chords, intervals, and key signatures in a progressive manner, making it easier for students to grasp the concepts.

Moreover, these books also provide exercises and practice materials that allow students to apply their knowledge and improve their skills. This hands-on approach helps in reinforcing the theoretical concepts and makes learning more engaging.

Additionally, piano theory books also introduce students to different styles of music such as classical, jazz, and pop. By understanding how these genres use different theoretical elements, students can expand their musical knowledge and develop a more versatile playing style.

Furthermore, these books serve as a reference guide for both beginners and advanced players. Even experienced pianists can benefit from revisiting theory concepts to enhance their playing skills or prepare for advanced exams.

In conclusion, while some may view music theory as tedious or boring, it plays an essential role in becoming a skilled pianist.

My Buying Guide on Best Piano Theory Books

As a pianist, I understand the importance of having a solid foundation in piano theory. It not only helps in understanding the music better, but also improves overall playing skills. However, finding the right piano theory book can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available in the market. After years of playing and teaching piano, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best piano theory book for your needs.

1. Determine your level

The first step in choosing a piano theory book is to determine your current level of knowledge and skill. Are you a beginner looking for basic music theory concepts or an advanced player seeking to improve your understanding of complex theories? Knowing your level will help you narrow down your options and find a book that suits your needs.

2. Look for comprehensive coverage

A good piano theory book should cover all the essential topics, from basic music notation to advanced concepts like chord progressions and harmonization. It should also include exercises and practice drills to reinforce the concepts learned.

3. Consider the format

Piano theory books come in various formats such as textbooks, workbooks, or online resources. Textbooks are great for self-study as they provide detailed explanations and examples. Workbooks are ideal for those who prefer hands-on learning with exercises and drills included. Online resources offer flexibility and access to interactive materials.

4. Check for clear explanations

Theory can be complicated, but a good piano theory book should have clear explanations that are easy to understand. Look for books that use simple language and provide real-life examples to make learning more engaging.

5. Look for reviews

Before making a purchase, it’s always helpful to read reviews from other pianists or teachers who have used the book before. They can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of a particular book.

6. Consider additional features

Some piano theory books come with additional features such as audio recordings, videos, or online quizzes that can enhance learning experience. These features can be helpful in reinforcing concepts learned from reading.

7. Choose based on your goals

Different piano theory books cater to different goals – some may focus on classical music while others may cover popular music genres or improvisation techniques. Choose a book that aligns with your specific goals and interests.

In conclusion, finding the best piano theory book ultimately depends on personal preference and learning style. I highly recommend trying out different books before deciding on one that suits you best.

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Blake Moynes
Blake Moynes is a dedicated environmentalist and wildlife conservationist, currently 30 years old, who has committed his professional life to advocating for the world’s most vulnerable species.

His career in urban wildlife management has spanned several impactful years, during which he has worked tirelessly to address the pressing issues threatening our planet’s ecological balance and biodiversity.

In 2024, Blake expanded his advocacy efforts by venturing into the realm of digital content creation, starting a blog focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

Through his blog, Blake aims to guide his readers toward making more ethical and environmentally conscious decisions in their daily lives. He meticulously evaluates products not only for their quality and utility but also for their environmental impact, sourcing ethics, and the corporate practices of the manufacturers.