Piano Courses and Methods
Resources for Learning on the KeyBoard

Learning to Play Piano Options

Below are summaries of the piano materials and courses that are fairly popular or of use to you. I would caution you to make sure you learn music theory such as offered with our music theory course as part of your education. These type of piano programs and materials will help you learn to play, but it's the study of the theory that will ultimately make you a musician.

1. Of course, first is the music theory we've discussed already.
2. The second is the how to play the actual keys and translate that from sheet music or ear to the strings in the piano or sound of the keyboard. Many of these courses give you that second part. 
3. The third is in expression of sound through your instrument. I've only found a couple of books that go into it and primarily this is done through study at major conservatories and with a select group of instructors. Stay tuned in the future we are developing this part as a new instruction and hope to have it available in the near future.

We've tried to ensure that most of the piano courses we recommend have money back guarantees. Based on the payment processors used we've found that these are pretty much risk free and easy to get refunded if you feel that they course are material was not for you.

Rocket Piano

#1 Pick for complete piano course.

Ruth Searle's Rocket Piano is one of the most popular piano courses for getting you up and playing the piano. As with most programs you learn your theory as you go and learn to play the easy stuff and build quickly to some of the pieces you love to play. 

I have to admit she covers a lot of material in the base course for a very reasonable price. Check her site to see the latest pricing. It has been selling for under $100 which is excellent value for the price. Full 60 day money back Guarantee as well if you decide this isn't for you.

Using her course materials and sticking with the action plan you can achieve proficient level of skill and ability.

The collection of software bonuses you get are worth the price of the course alone.  

As a comprehensive course I find Rocket Piano to be one of the most comprehensive piano courses around. If you want to home study this program will take you a long way down that road to having fun and playing what you like.  Rocket Piano is upgrading programs and may have some short term discounts or bonuses. If you have any interest be sure to check out the program and details at: Rocket Piano

Piano for All

#2 Pick - great for advancing learning styles of music

Piano for ALL takes a different approach to teaching and learning. This is a great addition to the music theory course due to its approach to styles rather than basic music theory. 

I like this approach as a way to learn different types of music. I'll admit that I went through a standard classical approach which was much more theory oriented, but we did cover styles as we learned various chord combinations and rhythm. 

Would I admit that I'd like to have concentrated more on the different styles of music? Sure I would, but I also think you had better have a good understanding of basics to be able to move quickly through this piano course material.

The program has 10 downloadable books and tons of audio and video to help you along the way or you can get the CD version. 

Last check pricing was just under $40 for the bundle of books instant download and they have different pricing options for CD or individual books. They also have a 60 day money back Guarantee.  Consider this option if you have some basic knowledge and can get around the piano, but feel that your knowledge of style and depth of experiences is needs a boost. Details at: Piano for ALL

Piano by Pattern

#3 Pick - Pattern following program

Piano by Pattern use a visual keyboard method of showing you were to play notes on the piano. Now I'm a fan of pattern recognition and like approaches that use them. What I do think you have to be carefully about is just mimicking the patterns without learning the music theory behind the pattern. 

This course won't be for everybody. The visual approach is as a way for many that need to see the actual keys used to integrate the concepts into their playing abilities. That being the case it may be just the ticket for what you want to achieve as quick start to playing and gratification in getting a good foothold on the piano.

I personally think the sells pitch is over hyped, however, the concept has some validity in a new approach to teaching the piano skills through patterns which many are seeking. 

Since the full course is under 1 1/2 hours in total length, you won't become a rock star overnight. At $50 and 9 video lessons you are getting some good information for about $6 per lesson. Considering that a is you got personal instruction these would cost 4 to 5 times that. With the no questions asked 60 day money back guarantee this is something you can try and very quickly see if it was worth it for you.

Details at: Piano by Pattern

Jazz Piano for Beginners

Pattern following program

Jazz Piano for beginners is an inexpensive downloadable book at $14.95 to get you started in the jazz side of piano playing. 

This course is really geared for the new beginner that wants to explore jazz relationships around scales and chords, notation, basic progressions and how chords get altered. Basic Rhythmic concepts for jazz are also explored. 

I personally think the sells pitch is over hyped, however, the concept has some validity in a new approach to teaching the piano skills through patterns which many are seeking. 

If you are looking to get a jump start on the jazz this will be a good introduction to check out. 

No sells hype on this one the site is basic and you either want it or not. Although they don't advertise a guarantee the payment processor does require a 2 month money back guarantee.

Details at: Jazz Piano for beginners