Intermediate Piano Materials

Written By Austin Baugh

At the intermediate stage of piano I prefer to move away from method books, and instead begin to dive into what you are passionate about. Here are some collections that I regularly use.

Classical Literature

Even though we are moving away from method books, Faber provides great resources outside the methods books as well. If a student is coming from Faber 3B, I would have them move onto Piano Literature Book 3 and Scale Chord Book 2. Followed then by the Piano Literature Book 4 and Scale and Chord Book 3.

Faber Developing Artist | Piano Literature Book 3: https://amzn.to/4eYhf0h

Faber Developing Artist | Piano Literature Book 4: https://amzn.to/4qb3EYz

  • Diverse selection of pieces from across the major time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary

  • Larger print than other adult editions allows for ease of reading and note taking

  • Researched footnotes that provide further explanation of ornamentation and period style

Faber Piano Adventures | Scale and Chord Book 2: https://amzn.to/4viVRZM

Faber Piano Adventures | Scale and Chord Book 3: https://amzn.to/4pZ2r6J

  • Great introduction into how key signatures work and exploring all major and minor scales

  • Transposition is covered almost every page with short exercises, and teaches the function of what we play

  • Pop chord progressions are included for a change of pace throughout

Popular Piano

If you are someone that loves the piano in modern pop music I suggest having at least one collection of pop songs and a progressive etude book. That way there is still a balance of learning music you’ve heard before and learning new music from score.

Popular Collections

  • Diverse selection of popular music within a genre you love to listen to

  • Grand staff and lead sheet notation for ease of analysis and expanded creativity

  • Don’t let “Easy Piano” push you away. “Easy” is often a rough industry term for “Easier than Advanced”

Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Songs of All Time | 39 Selections Vol. 1: https://amzn.to/44LG7Dx

Soft Pop Sheet Music Collection | 25 Chill Hits: https://amzn.to/3SLg64L

Progressive Etudes

  • Short pieces to improve your technique and artistry

  • Diverse pieces that evoke scenes and characters

  • Learn about composition as you work through one composer’s works consistently

Burgmüller Op. 100 | 25 Progressive Pieces: https://amzn.to/4p6K0MW

Kabalevsky Op. 27| 30 Children’s Pieces: https://amzn.to/4vQX4si

Austin Baugh
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Easy Piano Materials