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Hello Fellow Teachers:

I have been a Vocal Teacher for 30+ (Musical Theater) years, as well as a Professional Performer. I even have several students who have gone on to be Broadway Performers.
I also have been playing the piano since I was 10yo - I am 65yo now.

I have never taught piano but I have a neighbor who is trying to learn how to play the piano.
He is basically teaching himself.

I offered to assist/help him.

Do any piano teachers have suggestions for a good, Motivating Adult Piano Book that I could use.

Are there books on assisting teachers on assisting adult beginner piano students?


Thank You in Advance for any help, suggestions.
Brdwyguy

There are books but essentially it is a losing battle which will take four months to unfold. Here's why: If he was a serious piano student, he would have sought a piano teacher years ago. He wants to toy around with the idea of piano lessons. I don't doubt your skills. I doubt this student would have responded to your advertisement in a paper; it's just because you are neighbours and got to talking that he may attempt a lesson. I would cease and desist and focus on getting a voice student. The way to exit is to say you were talking with an amazing piano teacher who lives nearby and have decided to bow out in favour of that piano teacher, who seems intent on helping him, because you've reconsidered your skill set (just be humble) and it doesn't match the job at hand.

Hi Joey
I have no personal experience, but my teacher does, and her experience matches the negative expected results from CandyWoman

If you take this on, don’t be disappointed if the student just takes a couple of lessons and disappears. It won’t bd you 😊

Candy
You are totally misreading this!

The neighbor is my friend.
and I OFFERED to give him assistance if he wanted.
HE DID NOT, I repeat did not ask me, I offered.

brdwyguy


THANK YOU DOGPERSON!

Joey
There are many standing threads in the ABF regarding method books

I would ask there and review the thread comments

I have the student take the first step- they must contact me. (My studio is very full) and I want them to make the effort.

I have had good success with an adult vocalist, and a teen cellist (cello player) with Alfred Premier Piano Express. I can fly through when they show understanding of a concept. I do have them write the Unit Review pages, because writing helps show understanding.

The vocalist can play ok, but does not know why things are. She has a good ear. The cello player is working on reading two hands together on the grand staff, and is zipping along quite well once he got the note reading on the treble down pretty well.

It's precisely because you offered to help that I believe the whole thing will come crashing down within four months. You have asked seasoned piano teachers for advice. Today, due largely to the internet, people disbelieve the advice of experts. In fact, they attempt discrediting them at every turn. I have taught for twenty-five years and adult beginners are very difficult to teach. You are coming at it fresh, which has some advantages. But do you believe your results will be better than that of seasoned piano teachers? Is this something you should really spend time on when you have had so much success in your chosen area? I'm saying life is short and you can help the world the best by sticking to your vocal teaching. Congratulations on your success in that area! I teach only my niece singing --I have two years' vocal training and have sung publicly-- and know that you have special talents.

Broadway guy, of course you can do this, and you should. It will be rewarding for both of you. Pick up a copy of any adult beginner method book. Alfred, Bastien, Hal Leonard, Faber, this list goes on. They are all ok, and you can supplement them with material your friend already is working on. Don't bother with a book on piano pedagogy, you'll find your own way.

Check back with us in a few months if you need either guidance or a pep talk.

Cheers,
Peter

brdwyguy, Good of you to make this offer, and I hope you and your friend have fun with it. You may be able to save him from some problems, whether or not he pursues the piano very far. (Not a piano teacher but appreciate those who are)

Thank You ALL for the Advice!
brdwyguy

Hi brdwyguy, I started teaching this year and currently have two adult beginner students. I love teaching them! Maybe I just lucked out, but my adult students are curious, ask lots of good questions, practice when their schedules allow, and are very determined. Both are using the Faber All in One book, which I recommend. I also recommend the many supplementary Faber books--popular, jazz, easy classical arrangements--that go along with the different levels. There's plenty of repertoire in the Faber library to choose from. I also really like the Succeeding with the Masters Festival Collection books for supplementary rep. The easiest book in that series is the Prep book. The student would need to be able to play music with both hands together before moving into those books, however. Good luck!

If your friend already has some musical experience and is interested in classical style, I think the John Thompson Adult books are good. If they have no experience at all and are not offended by using a children's book, then John Thompson's Easiest is a good choice. Old-fashioned approach, but very solid introductory teaching.

Good luck to you both!