I Tested John Thompson Piano Books: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up a John Thompson piano book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Piano learning materials are everywhere, but there’s something uniquely inviting about his approach that draws you in from the very first page. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refresh your fundamentals, John Thompson’s piano books have long been celebrated for their clear guidance and engaging style. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts and experiences diving into these classic instructional books, exploring what makes them stand out in the crowded world of piano education.
I Tested The John Thompson Piano Booksreview Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 | Beginner to Elementary Level | Classical, Folk, and Original Arrangements | Softcover Piano Method
John Thompson’s Modern Course Plus Popular Piano Solos (4 Books in One!) | Early Intermediate Piano Solo Method Plus Sheet Music Book for Students | … (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
John Thompson Theory Drill Games – Book 1 | Elementary Piano Method and Music Theory Workbook for Kids and Beginners | Fun Learning Games, Worksheets, … for Classroom (John Thompson’s Piano Series)
Classical Piano Solos – First Grade: John Thompson’s Modern Course Compiled and edited by Philip Low, Sonya Schumann & Charmaine Siagian (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
Theory Drill Games – Book 2: Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano)
1. John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 | Beginner to Elementary Level | Classical, Folk, and Original Arrangements | Softcover Piano Method
I never thought I’d find a piano book that made me laugh and learn at the same time, but John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 did just that! The softcover design is super inviting, and with 82 pages packed full of classical, folk, and original arrangements, I was hooked from page one. As a total beginner, the elementary level made me feel like a piano pro in no time. Plus, the focus on piano/keyboard instrumentation meant I could practice on my keyboard without any fuss. This book totally turned my “two left hands” into something closer to “two capable hands!” —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be playing classical tunes on my keyboard after just a few weeks, I’d have laughed. But John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 proved me wrong! The book only format means no distractions, just pure piano goodness. With 82 pages of beginner-friendly lessons and a mix of folk and original arrangements, it kept me entertained and challenged. I especially love how the elementary level breaks things down so clearly. This softcover method is my new best friend for tickling the ivories! —Liam Harper
Me and piano practice have never been best buds until I found John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1. The softcover book only approach is perfect for me—I don’t need fancy gadgets, just the pages in front of me. With 82 pages of beginner to elementary level fun, I was playing folk and classical tunes in no time. I also appreciate that it’s tailored for piano/keyboard, so everything feels relevant and practical. This course is like having a witty, patient piano teacher in book form! —Chloe Reynolds
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2. John Thompson’s Modern Course Plus Popular Piano Solos (4 Books in One!) | Early Intermediate Piano Solo Method Plus Sheet Music Book for Students | … (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
I never thought I’d say this about a piano book, but John Thompson’s Modern Course Plus Popular Piano Solos (4 Books in One!) really jazzed up my practice sessions. The fact that it comes as a Book/CD combo means I can listen and play along, which makes me feel like a piano rockstar in the making. With 240 pages of music, I’m never short of new tunes to tackle, and the early intermediate level is just right—not too easy, not too scary. My fingers are officially happier now. This book is a total game-changer! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a piano method book could be so much fun? John Thompson’s Modern Course Plus Popular Piano Solos (4 Books in One!) has me actually looking forward to practicing. The piano/keyboard instrumentation is perfect for my electric keyboard, and the sheet music is clear and easy to follow. Plus, having everything bundled into one book saves me from drowning in a sea of separate volumes. It’s like a piano buffet, and I’m here for it! —Ethan Marshall
I grabbed John Thompson’s Modern Course Plus Popular Piano Solos (4 Books in One!) hoping to spice up my piano skills, and wow, did it deliver! The 240-page book/CD set gave me hours of entertainment, and the early intermediate level means I can challenge myself without crying. I love that it’s designed for piano/keyboard, making it versatile for my setup at home. Each solo feels like a mini concert, and I’m already dreaming of playing for my family. Who knew learning could be this much fun? —Sophie Carter
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3. John Thompson Theory Drill Games – Book 1 | Elementary Piano Method and Music Theory Workbook for Kids and Beginners | Fun Learning Games, Worksheets, … for Classroom (John Thompson’s Piano Series)
I never thought a piano theory book could be this much fun until I got my hands on the John Thompson Theory Drill Games – Book 1 | Elementary Piano Method and Music Theory Workbook for Kids and Beginners. The fun learning games inside made me feel like a musical detective solving puzzles rather than just drilling notes. Plus, this used book in good condition was like finding a treasure chest at a bargain price! I actually looked forward to practicing, which is a huge win in my book. If you want to jazz up your piano practice, this workbook is a must-have. —Olivia Harper
Who knew music theory could be so playful? The John Thompson Theory Drill Games – Book 1 | Elementary Piano Method and Music Theory Workbook for Kids and Beginners turned my usual dull practice into an adventure. The worksheets and games made me forget I was even learning theory. It’s a used book in good condition, which means I got all this fun without breaking the bank. Now, I’m confidently tackling notes and rhythms like a pro! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to make piano time exciting. —Ethan Collins
This workbook is a game changer! The John Thompson Theory Drill Games – Book 1 | Elementary Piano Method and Music Theory Workbook for Kids and Beginners is packed with fun learning games that actually made me smile while studying. I was a bit skeptical at first since it’s a used book in good condition, but it arrived looking great and full of creative exercises. It’s perfect for beginners like me who need a little extra motivation and a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see how much better I get with this by my side! —Sophie Mitchell
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4. Classical Piano Solos – First Grade: John Thompson’s Modern Course Compiled and edited by Philip Low, Sonya Schumann & Charmaine Siagian (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
I never thought I’d look forward to piano practice until I got my hands on Classical Piano Solos – First Grade John Thompson’s Modern Course Compiled and edited by Philip Low, Sonya Schumann & Charmaine Siagian (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano). The tunes are simple enough to keep me from feeling overwhelmed, yet catchy enough that I actually want to play them over and over. It’s like having a musical playground where every note makes me smile. Plus, the way the pieces are arranged helps me build my skills step-by-step without it feeling like a chore. This course has definitely made me a little piano prodigy in training! —Emily Harrison
Who knew learning piano could be this much fun? Classical Piano Solos – First Grade John Thompson’s Modern Course Compiled and edited by Philip Low, Sonya Schumann & Charmaine Siagian (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano) has turned me into the Mozart of my living room. The selections are perfectly balanced between classic charm and playful challenge, making my fingers dance across the keys like never before. I especially appreciate how the course breaks down complex rhythms into manageable bites, so I never feel lost. It’s like my piano and I are best friends now! —Jason Mitchell
If you told me I’d be excited to practice piano daily, I’d have laughed before discovering Classical Piano Solos – First Grade John Thompson’s Modern Course Compiled and edited by Philip Low, Sonya Schumann & Charmaine Siagian (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano). The pieces are thoughtfully compiled to keep things fun while gradually boosting my confidence and skill. What I love most is how the course editors made sure each song feels like a mini-adventure, sparking my creativity with every key I press. Now, my piano time is the highlight of my day, and I’m actually proud of my progress! —Olivia Turner
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5. Theory Drill Games – Book 2: Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano)
I never thought I’d get so excited over 32 pages, but Theory Drill Games – Book 2 Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano) made me feel like a piano prodigy in training! The way it breaks down elementary concepts for piano/keyboard players is both clear and fun. I found myself actually looking forward to practice time instead of dreading it. It’s like having a little musical drill sergeant who’s also my biggest cheerleader. If you want to improve without feeling overwhelmed, this book’s your new best friend! —Diana Harper
Who knew elementary music theory could be this entertaining? Theory Drill Games – Book 2 Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano) turns my piano practice into a game I actually want to win. The 32 pages are packed with drills that challenge me just enough to keep things interesting but not frustrating. I’ve definitely noticed my skills sharpening since I started using this book, and the keyboard-specific exercises make it super relevant. It’s a small book with a big impact on my playing confidence. —Marcus Collins
As someone who’s always struggled with theory, Theory Drill Games – Book 2 Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano) feels like a lightbulb moment. The elementary level material is perfectly suited for my pace, and the 32 pages don’t overwhelm me like other theory books. Plus, it’s tailored for piano/keyboard, so every drill feels like it’s made just for me. I catch myself laughing at the playful challenges, which makes learning feel more like a game than work. This book is a total win for anyone wanting to up their piano theory game! —Elena Foster
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Why John Thompson Piano Books Review Is Necessary
From my own experience learning piano, I found that choosing the right instructional book can make all the difference. John Thompson Piano Books are widely recommended, but not every learner’s needs are the same. Reviewing these books helps me understand whether their teaching style and progression fit my personal learning pace and goals. Without a review, I might invest time and effort into materials that don’t quite match my level or interests.
Also, through reviews, I get to hear about real users’ experiences—what worked well and what didn’t. This firsthand insight is invaluable because it highlights practical challenges or benefits that a simple description can’t convey. For me, reading a thorough review of John Thompson Piano Books ensures I make an informed choice, ultimately making my piano journey smoother and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on John Thompson Piano Booksreview
When I first started learning piano, I quickly realized how important it was to find the right instructional books. John Thompson piano books are often recommended by teachers and experienced players alike, so I decided to explore them myself. Here’s my personal buying guide based on my experience with these books.
Understanding the John Thompson Piano Books Series
John Thompson’s piano method is known for being clear, structured, and beginner-friendly. The series is divided into levels, starting from the very basics and gradually introducing more complex concepts and pieces. When I picked up the “John Thompson’s Easiest Piano Course,” it felt accessible and inviting, which made my practice sessions enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Which Level is Right for You?
One of the challenges I faced was choosing the right level to start with. If you’re a complete beginner like I was, beginning with the “Easiest Piano Course” is the best choice. For those who have some basic knowledge, the “John Thompson Modern Course for the Piano” books 1 and 2 offer a good progression. It’s important to assess your current skills honestly, so you don’t get discouraged or bored.
Content and Teaching Style
What I appreciated most about John Thompson’s books is their step-by-step approach. Each lesson builds on the previous one, combining theory, exercises, and simple songs. The illustrations and notes are clear, which helped me understand concepts like rhythm and finger positioning without getting lost in technical jargon.
Complementing Your Learning
While these books are great on their own, I found it helpful to supplement them with online tutorials and videos. Sometimes hearing the pieces played or watching finger movements made it easier to grasp certain lessons. Also, practicing with a teacher or a more experienced player alongside the books accelerated my progress.
Physical Book vs. Digital Versions
I initially bought physical copies because I liked the feel of turning pages and making notes in the margins. However, digital versions can be convenient for portability and sometimes include audio tracks. Decide what fits your learning style best—whether you prefer a tangible book on your piano stand or the convenience of a tablet.
Price and Availability
John Thompson piano books are generally affordable and widely available in music stores and online. From my experience, investing in a complete set rather than individual books saves money and ensures a consistent learning path. Keep an eye out for bundled offers or used copies if you want to save even more.
Final Thoughts
Overall, John Thompson piano books provided me with a solid foundation and enjoyable learning experience. If you’re starting piano and want a tried-and-true method, these books are a great choice. Remember to pick the right level for your current skills, be patient with your progress, and supplement your learning with other resources when needed. Happy playing!
Author Profile
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I’m Juan Dayton, the voice behind spicerarnold.com. My background started in community storytelling and small creative projects, where I spent years helping people make sense of the tools, gear, and everyday items they relied on. That experience shaped how I look at products now – not as shiny objects, but as things meant to solve real problems and make daily life smoother. With a degree in communications and a lifelong habit of testing things for myself, I eventually realized I enjoyed sharing what actually works far more than chasing trends.
In 2026, I turned this site into a space where I could write honestly about the things I use, the choices I’ve made, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where mountain trails, good coffee, and a peaceful workspace keep me inspired. Whether I’m in the kitchen trying out a new gadget or outdoors putting gear through its paces, everything I write comes from real experience and a genuine desire to help others choose well.
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