Learning to play the piano is an incredible journey that opens up a world of creativity, expression, and personal fulfilment. Piano sheet music books play a vital role in this journey, providing a structured approach to learning, a vast repertoire of music to explore, and expert guidance from renowned pianists and composers. This guide will explore the best piano sheet music books available today, each offering a unique musical experience and an opportunity for growth as a pianist.
The Best Digital Piano Songbook for Beginners
For beginners, the digital piano songbook offers a simple and flexible way to start playing without the limitations of traditional paperbacks. The Piano Sheet Songbook includes 96 beginner-friendly songs, giving you one complete library instead of needing to buy multiple books. It’s available as an instant download, works on any device, and can be printed if you prefer playing from paper. Because it’s digital, it won’t get damaged or lost, and you can return to it anytime.
With familiar melodies and clear, easy-to-read notation, this songbook provides months of practical material for daily practice and steady improvement. If you’re a beginner who wants to start playing real music straight away, a single, well-organised digital collection is often the simplest and most convenient option.
1. Lang Lang Piano Book
The Lang Lang Piano Book is a masterpiece that combines 20 handpicked pieces of sheet music with valuable advice from the legendary pianist himself. Lang Lang's expertise and insights provide a unique learning experience, allowing you to look into the intricacies of each piece and gain valuable performance tips.
2. Jean Kleeb – Beethoven Goes Jazz for Piano
Beethoven Goes Jazz for Piano by Jean Kleeb is a remarkable collection of seven pieces inspired by Beethoven's jubilee year. These compositions blend the timeless melodies of Beethoven with the vibrant and improvisational nature of jazz. Perfect for intermediate-level pianists, this book offers a refreshing diversion from the classical repertoire and allows you to explore the fusion of two musical worlds.
3. Beethoven Piano Sonatas Volume 1 & 2
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, the Beethoven Piano Sonatas Volume 1 & 2 is an indispensable edition. This two-volume Henle Urtext edition has long been considered the standard reference for pianists worldwide. While it may be an investment, the depth and authenticity of the musical content make it a valuable addition to any pianist's collection.
4. The Lion King Sheet Music
Disney's The Lion King is a classic film that has captured the hearts of millions. The piano sheet music book for The Lion King features beloved songs such as "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," "Circle of Life," and "I Just Can't Wait To Be King." Relive the magic of the movie and bring these melodies to life on your piano.
5. Nocturnes Books 1 & 2 – Dennis Alexander
Dennis Alexander's Nocturnes Books 1 & 2 offer a delightful collection of nocturnes, perfect for intermediate-level pianists. These pieces capture the romantic ambience and lyrical beauty synonymous with the nocturne genre. Whether you are a fan of Chopin or simply looking to explore expressive and melodic piano music, these books provide an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the romantic era.
6. Big Phat Jazz Piano Solos – Gordon Goodwin
Big Phat Jazz Piano Solos by Gordon Goodwin is a must-have if you have a passion for jazz. This book features ten jazz arrangements specially adapted for solo piano at Grade 4 to 6 standard. You will love these jazz classics, swing, funk, and contemporary grooves and experience the joy of playing authentic jazz piano.
7. The Essential Film Collection - Faber Music
The Essential Film Collection by Faber Music is a treasure trove of movie themes and soundtracks. From the magical world of Harry Potter to the action-packed adventures of James Bond, this collection features beloved compositions that will transport you to the silver screen. With a diverse selection of pieces from various films, this book offers a delightful journey through cinematic music.
8. Harry Potter Sheet Music by John Williams
For Harry Potter fans, the Harry Potter: Sheet Music from the Complete Film Series is a dream. This book contains sheet music for 36 pieces from the entire film series, including the classic Hedwig's Theme.
9. Baroque Keyboard Anthology
Travel back in time with the Baroque Keyboard Anthology, featuring 24 works from renowned composers such as Handel, Telemann, and Couperin. These timeless classics showcase the elegance, intricacy, and rich harmonies of the Baroque era. These compositions' beauty and experience the Baroque period's grandeur.
10. Hit The Keys! Funk, Soul, and R&B
Hit The Keys! Funk, Soul, and R&B is a collection that lets you get in touch with the grooves, licks, and chord progressions of funk, soul, and R&B music. This book features hits from legendary artists such as James Brown, John Legend, Whitney Houston, and Kool & The Gang, bringing infectious rhythms and soulful melodies to your fingertips. Let the music move you and groove along with these songs. The following books are well regarded for specific styles and study paths, though many beginners prefer a single flexible collection that they can use immediately.
Other Great Piano Sheet Music Books
There are many excellent piano sheet music books available for players who want to explore specific styles, genres, or learning paths beyond a general beginner collection. For collaborative and rhythm-focused playing, Afro-Caribbean Pieces for 6 Hands at 1 Piano by Mike Cornick offers lively arrangements inspired by West Indian music, while Ludovico Einaudi’s Seven Days Walking (Day One) provides minimalist, expressive piano pieces ideal for players drawn to atmospheric and emotional music. Classical learners may prefer structured study resources such as The Complete Classical Piano Course, which combines piano basics, theory, technique, and graded repertoire, or the ABRSM Piano Exam Pieces (Grades 1–8), widely used for formal piano exams and syllabus-based progression.
For more specialised or advanced study, collections like Selected Piano Masterpieces include challenging works by composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, Brahms, Debussy, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Schumann, Bartók, and Scriabin, while Short Romantic Pieces for Piano by Lionel Salter explores expressive Romantic-era music by composers including Granados, Albéniz, Delius, and Glazunov. Genre-specific books also offer valuable learning experiences, such as A First Book of Blues for the Beginning Pianist, which introduces blues basics, blues scales, exercises, and classic blues styles for beginner pianists, or the Peaceful Piano Playlist by Faber, featuring calming contemporary works by composers like Einaudi, Max Richter, and Ryuichi Sakamoto. These books are ideal for pianists with focused interests or stylistic goals.
If you’re a beginner looking for a simple flexible way to start playing real music, The Piano Sheet Songbook offers a complete library you can use on any device, print when needed, and keep forever.
