When it comes to teaching beginners, selecting the right piano method book can set the stage for a lifelong love of music. Bastien Piano Basics Level 1 is a widely used series that continues to divide opinions among teachers. How does it compare to popular alternatives like Faber Piano Adventures, Alfred Premier Piano Course, WunderKeys, and Piano Safari?

This article will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each method based on teacher feedback, helping you choose the best fit for your students' unique needs.

1. Bastien Piano Basics Level 1: Structured with Early Chord Focus

Pros:

1. Clear and Structured Progression: Bastien introduces one concept at a time, helping students avoid overwhelm in the early stages.
2. Early Introduction of Chords: Students start playing chords in the left hand early on, which helps develop basic harmony skills.
3. Confidence-Building Simplicity: Repetitive patterns allow beginners to reinforce their learning and build confidence.
4. Effective for Group Lessons: Its structured and straightforward approach works well for group teaching situations.

Cons:

1. Over-Reliance on 5-Finger Positions: Students may struggle to transition to dynamic hand movements or "real music" that goes beyond fixed positions.
2. Premature Rhythm Complexity: Eighth notes are introduced too soon for some students, which can feel overwhelming.
3. Outdated Content: Graphics and song choices can seem uninspiring or repetitive compared to modern alternatives.

Teacher Feedback:

"When supplemented well, Bastien builds confident beginners. Its chord focus is a strength, but I always add material for variety and hand movement."

2. Faber Piano Adventures: Engaging and Flexible

Pros:

1. Interesting, Modern Pieces: Faber includes music that appeals to children, keeping them engaged and motivated.
2. Encourages Hand Movement: Unlike Bastien, Faber introduces movement across the keyboard early, preparing students for diverse repertoire.
3. Teacher Duets: The teacher duet parts add a collaborative and enjoyable experience for students.
4. Logical Pacing: Concepts are introduced gradually, ensuring a strong foundation before advancing.

Cons:

1. Slower for Fast Learners: Some teachers find Faber moves too slowly for students who grasp concepts quickly.
2. Supplemental Material Needed: While engaging, the method may require additional material for students who need more focus on theory or rhythm.

Teacher Feedback:

"Faber keeps students engaged with its variety and fun music. But for very quick learners, I sometimes supplement with more advanced exercises."

3. Alfred Premier Piano Course: Balanced and Theory-Rich

Pros:

1. Theory Integration: Alfred combines theory with practical lessons, helping students understand music concepts alongside playing.
2. Contrapuntal Textures: Early inclusion of contrapuntal pieces helps students develop hand independence.
3. Good for Steady Learners: Its methodical pace ensures foundational skills are reinforced.

Cons:

1. Slow Progression: Some teachers feel the progression can be too slow for motivated or quick learners.
2. Repertoire Engagement: A few teachers noted that while effective, some pieces lack the "fun" factor compared to Faber or WunderKeys.

Teacher Feedback:

"Alfred is great for theory and hand independence, but it may progress too slowly for highly motivated students."

4. WunderKeys Piano Method: Fun, Game-Based Learning

Pros:

1. Engaging and Playful: WunderKeys uses stories, games, and fun characters to keep young beginners motivated.
2. Careful Concept Progression: Teachers appreciate its step-by-step approach, ensuring concepts are mastered before moving forward.
3. Ideal for Young Beginners: Students who struggled with other methods often thrive with WunderKeys due to its engaging style.

Cons:

1. Position-Based Learning: Like Bastien, WunderKeys can rely on fixed hand positions, which some teachers feel limits adaptability.
2. Limited Repertoire for Older Beginners: While excellent for very young students, it may not appeal to slightly older beginners or fast learners.

Teacher Feedback:

"WunderKeys makes learning fun, especially for young kids. I do wish it moved beyond hand positions earlier, but it’s great for reluctant learners."

5. Piano Safari: Strong Technique and Early Repertoire

Pros:

1. Focus on Technique: Piano Safari prioritizes strong technical development, including proper finger shape and hand movement from the start.
2. Introduction to Standard Repertoire: Students are exposed to classical repertoire sooner, preparing them for higher-level pieces.
3. Not Position-Based: Unlike Bastien or WunderKeys, Piano Safari encourages freedom across the keyboard from the beginning.

Cons:

1. Challenging for Some Beginners: Its emphasis on technique may be too demanding for very young or unmotivated students.
2. Requires Teacher Guidance: Teachers may need to spend more time ensuring students grasp technical concepts.

Teacher Feedback:

"Piano Safari is brilliant for developing technique early on, but I wouldn’t recommend it for very young beginners who need a gentler approach."

Key Takeaways: Choosing the Right Method for Your Student

Each piano method offers unique strengths, and the "right" choice depends on the individual student’s needs, learning style, and interests:

1. For Beginners Who Need Simplicity and Early Harmony: Bastien Piano Basics provides a clear and confidence-building start, especially with its focus on chords. It works well when supplemented with material for hand movement and variety.
2. For Engaging and Collaborative Learning: Faber Piano Adventures shines with its fun pieces, teacher duets, and keyboard movement.
3. For Students Who Need Strong Theory Integration: Alfred Premier combines steady progression with theory-rich lessons, ideal for learners who thrive on structure.
4. For Young Beginners Who Need Fun and Games: WunderKeys is perfect for very young children with its engaging, playful approach.
5. For Technique and Early Classical Focus: Piano Safari emphasizes technique and prepares students for real repertoire sooner.

Final Thoughts: Why Bastien Still Holds Value

While Bastien Piano Basics may receive mixed reviews, its strengths—clear structure, confidence-building repetition, and early chord work—make it a solid choice for many beginners, particularly in group settings or when carefully supplemented. Teachers who use it successfully highlight its simplicity and logical early progression.

As one teacher noted: "Bastien works well for beginners when I introduce supplements early on. My students often build strong rhythm and basic chord skills with this book."

No single method fits every student, and the most effective teachers often combine materials to tailor lessons to individual needs. Whether you prefer Bastien, Faber, Alfred, WunderKeys, or Piano Safari, the ultimate goal remains the same: to inspire a love for music and provide a strong foundation for future growth.

Let us know what you think about these book series comparisons in comments below: