Library
The books and material I teach from, and who each one suits.
A structured path, not a fixed syllabus
Every pupil follows their own learning plan, and no two people learn in quite the same way. But a good method book gives that plan a spine — material that introduces one idea at a time, in an order that works, with tunes worth playing along the way.
These are the books I actually use, alongside my own teaching material. I've listed what each one is for, so you can see there is a considered method behind the lessons rather than a single course applied to everybody.
You don't need to buy anything before your first lesson. We'll work out what suits you once I've heard you play.
Method Books for Beginners of All Ages
These are for the first years of learning, and which one I reach for depends mostly on age and on how ready someone is to read notation. Adult beginners need different material from children — the tunes have to be worth an adult's time, and the explanations can assume rather more. Click a spine to see the book.
Grade Books
Graded exams are optional, and plenty of my pupils never take one. If you do want them, each board publishes its own books of set pieces, scales and supporting tests. Grades 6 to 8 carry UCAS points, which count towards UK university applications.
ABRSM
Grade books and resources from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Rockschool
Grade books and resources from RSL Awards, for pupils who would rather work through popular repertoire.
Buying the Books
The links above mostly go to each publisher, so you can see what a book actually contains before you buy it — though one or two point at a UK retailer instead, where the publisher only prices in dollars. Everything here is also stocked by the usual online shops and by any decent music shop, often more cheaply.
I don't earn anything from these recommendations, and there are no affiliate links on this page. These are simply the books I use.
Not sure where to start?
You don't need to choose a book on your own. Book a lesson and we'll find what suits you — and if you haven't got an instrument yet, there's a guide to choosing a piano too.