20Frequently Asked Questions about Adults

1. I am an adult self-learner wishing to begin piano. Where do I start? What books do you recommend?

If you’re new to the piano, begin with Adult Piano Adventures Book 1 and add a supplementary book or two from the series. Your choice of Popular, Classics, Christmas. If you had studied piano previously, check out Adult Piano Adventures Book 2. Perhaps try a supplementary book at the Book 1 level to ramp up. If it’s easy, you’ll do fine. If you struggle, use Adult Piano Adventures Book 1 for review.

2. As an older beginner, should I use the Accelerated series or the Adult All-in-One series?

If you plan to practice intensi­vely, go for the Accelerated Piano Adventures series and take advantage of the deeper work in the correlating Theory and Technique & Artistry Books. If you want to get right into more familiar songs and enjoyment, the Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One is your choice.

3. What support resources do you have for Adults?

There are dozens of support videos for Adult Piano Adventures. Look for Randall Faber introducing each unit and demonstrating the Technique pages and Lead Sheets. Audio backing tracks are available at practice and performance tempi, and the Piano Adventures Player app adds interactive control. The upcoming Adult Piano Adventures Plus app provides additional drills in Music History, Music Theory, and Ear Training.

4. Is there audio support for the Adult Piano Adventures Christmas, Popular, and Classics books?

Yes, we are pleased to include piano recordings of the Christmas selections for study and enjoyment, as well as orchestrated accompaniments for play-along fun. These include live violin, clarinet and guitar for realism. Instructions for access are included on the title page of each book. For the Popular and Classics books, find model performances of each song synchronized with a scrolling musical score, available on each publication’s page on our website, on our YouTube channel, and inside the Piano Adventures Player app.

5. Are there Adventure Learning Videos for any of the Adult Piano Adventures books?

Though not labeled as Adventure Learning Videos, there are hundreds of videos that support the Adult Piano Adventures method. Each unit includes videos by Randall Faber—an introduction of the concept at the beginning of the unit, and support for the “3-Minute Technique” exercise at the end of the unit. There will also be Hands Alone and Hands Together videos for every piece available in the Adult Piano Adventures Plus app.

6. What is the Adult Piano Adventures Plus app?

This upcoming app supports learning with quizzes, flashcards, videos and accompaniments. It correlates with Adult Piano Adventures Books 1 and 2 and adds more ear-training and music history. Great for music study and practice during idle moments away from the piano.

7. Where do I go after Adult Piano Adventures Book 2?

You can go into basic Piano Adventures Level 3A or 3B. Use 3A if you need some review or 3B if you’re moving ahead well. At the FunTime Piano level of the PreTime to BigTime series arranged by the Fabers you’ll find many styles to choose from: Popular, Hits, Disney, Classics, Jazz & Blues, Rock ‘n Roll, Ragtime & Marches, Hymns and Favorites. Enjoy adding to your repertoire. For sophisticated Piano Literature, check out the Developing Artist Piano Literature series and/or Book 1 from the Developing Artist Sonatinas series.

8. I’m searching for a particular song in the Faber Piano Adventures catalog. Can you help me find it?

While we’re working on a full song search across all publications, try using the Search tool inside the current print catalog.

9. I need help with my order. Who should I contact?

There are many ways to get the Faber publications you need, via local retailer, online, phone, e-mail, or mail. Learn more about how to order.
Publications purchased through this website are fulfilled by Hal Leonard’s Music Dispatch. For assistance with an existing order, contact custserv@musicdispatch.com.

10. Do I really need a teacher?

A teacher will provide motivation and strengthen commitment. A teacher also can provide feedback and artistic guidance that you cannot get on your own. Highly recommended. Search for an instructor near you with our Teacher Locator tool.

11. What are reasonable expectations for an adult beginner?

You’ll be able to play tunes you love and you’ll be able to play them beautifully. You’ll enjoy private time for your personal artistry and will able to play for your family and friends. Over time your technique will develop, but the main focus should be on playing expressively.

12. How can I get better at sightreading?

Sightreading skill develops with practice—reading a lot of music at or below your level. As you progress through the method book, use the supplementary books for your level. If you wish to venture beyond the Adult Piano Adventures Popular, Classics and Christmas try some books from among the many styles in PreTime to BigTime, arranged by the Fabers. If you’re in Adult Book 1, select from PlayTime Piano and/or ShowTime Piano. For Book 2, select from ChordTime and/or FunTime Piano.

13. I’d like to play some songs for my grandchild. What do you suggest?

Select and practice three contrasting songs. Perhaps one from Adult Classics, one from PlayTime Piano Disney, and a song that you personally love. The child will want to hear what you like to play. Your grandchildren will also enjoy hearing many selections from the Kids’ Songs series in the levels of PreTime to BigTime.

14. How long will it take me to learn Beethoven’s Fur Elise?

If you take a year or two of lessons, you’ll be able to begin practicing this famous piano piece. Focus on the main theme and come back to learn the entire piece later. You’ll need a couple years of practice to have the prerequisite fluency.

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15. ­Could I take lessons online and learn well?

Online lessons with a teacher can serve you well, provided you put in the practice. It is really the repetition at the piano that will develop skill. And a teacher is important to ensure you are repeating (practicing) correctly. In-person lessons with a qualified teacher is almost always best. Remote lessons online can be convenient, and effective with an excellent teacher. Learning from YouTube videos is limited due to lack of curriculum.

16. Do I really have to learn scales? I just want to play songs.

You can play songs without practicing scales. However, knowing the scale in the key of your piece makes learning much easier. Ultimately, scale work improves your understanding of the pieces you play. This gives an efficiency for learning new works, for memorization, and for creative work. Try always to relate your scales with the pieces you are playing. The Piano Adventures Scale and Chord Books will help integrate keyboard patterns with your ear and with music theory.

17. How can I understand chords and play lead sheets?

After the basics for Book 1, Adult Piano Adventures Book 2 will take you into lead sheets and various accompaniments. Piano Adventures Scale and Chord Books 2 and 3 are excellent supplements. The Creative Improv video libraries provide additional guidance. You might also enjoy playing the lead sheet selections with the Backing Track audio accompaniments.

18. My fingers don’t work as well as I would like. What do you recommend?

Be patient. Practice slowly, with relaxation after each note. Your coordination will improve greatly. You can also improve your technique by using the Technique & Artistry Books of the Basic Piano Adventures method. If you are a beginner, start at Level 1 (you can skip the Primer as an adult). If you’ve played piano previously, you could begin at Level 2B or 3A.

19. I’d like to play with other musicians. Any recommendations?

Imagine the sound you wish to achieve. Also, what musicians are available. Try to play with someone a bit better than you, but you’ll need to practice to develop enough skill to play with those already proficient. A conga drum or bassist make excellent ensemble partners. The bassist can imitate from your left hand and a drummer will fill by ear. Enjoy together!

20. What if I don’t have musical talent?

Talent is developed. If you’ve had little exposure to music instruction and practice, then now is the time. Not only will you find talent emerging, but you’ll also be making new connections that contribute to a healthy brain. Importantly, this is your personal time, your personal activity, your personal artistry. Connect with sound, connect with touch, and connect with soul!