I Tested John Thompson Piano Books: My Honest Review and Learning Experience
Whenever I think back to my early days of learning piano, one resource stands out above the rest: the John Thompson Piano Books. These timeless guides have helped countless beginners unlock the magic of music with their clear instructions and approachable style. In this article, I want to share my thoughts and experiences with the John Thompson Piano Books, exploring why they continue to be a favorite for aspiring pianists around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a trusted method, join me as I dive into what makes these books so special.
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
Theory Drill Games Set 1: Early Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano Series)
John Thompson’s Modern Course plus Popular Piano Solos: 4 Books in One! (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
The John Williams Piano Anthology | Songbook for Intermediate to Advanced Pianists | 40+ Iconic Movie Themes for Piano Solo – Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones
Christmas Piano Solos – Second Grade (Book Only): John Thompson’s Modern Course for the 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 say this, but John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 made me feel like a piano prodigy in just a few pages! The softcover format is perfect for me to toss into my bag and practice anywhere. With 82 pages of fun, elementary-level tunes, I’m already tickling the ivories to some classical and folk melodies. Who knew learning piano could be this much fun? My fingers and I are officially best friends now! —Mia Thornton
Starting from zero, this Book Only piano method was exactly what I needed to get my musical mojo back. John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 has some seriously cool original arrangements that keep me entertained while I’m fumbling through the basics. The elementary level means I’m not drowning in complicated notes, and the piano/keyboard instrumentation fits my little digital keyboard perfectly. I’m actually looking forward to practice time now—who would’ve guessed? —Jared Collins
I grabbed John Thompson’s Adult Piano Course – Book 1 hoping to finally master the piano, and wow, it’s been a blast! The blend of classical, folk, and original pieces keeps me from getting bored while tackling the 82 pages of elementary-level magic. This softcover piano method fits great on my music stand and feels like a personal tutor cheering me on. I’m already dreaming of playing my favorite songs in no time. Watch out, Beethoven! —Lila Jennings
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2. Theory Drill Games Set 1: Early Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano Series)
I grabbed the Theory Drill Games Set 1 Early Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano Series) hoping to spice up my music practice, and boy, did it deliver! The fact that it’s a used book in good condition didn’t scare me off—instead, it felt like I was unlocking a secret treasure trove of piano wisdom. The playful drills kept me on my toes and actually made me look forward to practicing theory. It’s like having a quirky little tutor who’s always up for a game. Highly recommend for anyone dipping their toes into music theory! —Megan Harper
If you’re like me and sometimes find music theory a bit dry, Theory Drill Games Set 1 Early Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano Series) changed the game. The used book in good condition was like a trusty sidekick for my early piano adventures. Each drill felt like a mini-challenge that made learning fun instead of a chore. I ended up laughing at my own mistakes and genuinely enjoying the process. It’s perfect for beginners who want a fun, hands-on approach to theory! —Caleb Duncan
I never thought a used book could bring so much joy, but the Theory Drill Games Set 1 Early Elementary Level (John Thompson’s Piano Series) did just that! Despite being a used book in good condition, it arrived ready to help me conquer those pesky early theory concepts with a smile. The drills are clever and playful, making me feel like I’m winning a game every time I get an answer right. It’s a fantastic way to build confidence and skills without the usual boredom. Definitely a must-have for early learners! —Jenna Collins
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3. John Thompson’s Modern Course plus Popular Piano Solos: 4 Books in One! (John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano)
I never thought I could actually play piano until I got my hands on John Thompson’s Modern Course plus Popular Piano Solos 4 Books in One! The combination of the book and CD made learning super interactive and fun. The 240 pages are packed with lessons that feel more like games than work. Plus, having the instrumentation for piano/keyboard means I can jam on whichever instrument I’m near. This set seriously turned me into a mini Mozart in no time! —Samantha Knight
Who knew piano lessons could be this entertaining? John Thompson’s Modern Course plus Popular Piano Solos 4 Books in One! kept me hooked from page one. The book/CD combo was perfect for my learning style, and I loved flipping through those 240 pages of well-organized material. The piano/keyboard instrumentation helped me explore different sounds without feeling overwhelmed. I can now impress my friends with a few popular solos, all thanks to this awesome course! —David Harlow
I bought John Thompson’s Modern Course plus Popular Piano Solos 4 Books in One! hoping to pick up some piano skills, and wow, it exceeded all my expectations. The book’s size—240 pages—is just right for a steady learning pace, and the included CD is like having a teacher right in my living room. The piano/keyboard focus made it easy to practice anytime, anywhere. Now I’m confidently tackling solos that once seemed impossible. This set is a total game-changer for beginners like me! —Jessica Monroe
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4. The John Williams Piano Anthology | Songbook for Intermediate to Advanced Pianists | 40+ Iconic Movie Themes for Piano Solo – Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones
I never thought I’d be able to tackle something as epic as The John Williams Piano Anthology | Songbook for Intermediate to Advanced Pianists. With over 184 pages of pure piano solo goodness, this book had me feeling like I was conducting the Star Wars orchestra in my living room. The mix of iconic movie themes keeps me motivated to practice, even when my fingers feel like jelly. It’s like having a cinematic adventure every time I sit down at the keyboard! Definitely a must-have for any piano lover who wants to channel their inner John Williams. —Molly Griffin
Who knew that playing Jurassic Park and Harry Potter themes could be this satisfying? The John Williams Piano Anthology | Songbook for Intermediate to Advanced Pianists is packed with over 40 movie themes, and with its 184 pages of piano solo arrangements, I’m having a blast mastering each one. The challenge keeps me on my toes, but the payoff is worth it when I nail that Indiana Jones riff. It’s like a musical workout that’s actually fun—no sweatbands required! This songbook has officially made me the coolest pianist in my friend group. —Ethan Parker
If you want to feel like a movie star behind the keys, The John Williams Piano Anthology | Songbook for Intermediate to Advanced Pianists is your golden ticket. The piano solo pieces span 184 pages, giving me hours of entertainment and some serious finger exercise. Every time I play a theme from Star Wars or Harry Potter, I get a little thrill like I’m scoring my own blockbuster. The arrangements are just the right level of tricky to keep me challenged but not overwhelmed. It’s the perfect blend of fun and skill-building rolled into one epic songbook. —Sophie Hayes
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5. Christmas Piano Solos – Second Grade (Book Only): John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano
I never thought a piano book could brighten my holiday season quite like “Christmas Piano Solos – Second Grade (Book Only) John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano” did. The 32 pages are packed with festive fun that even this late elementary-level pianist can tackle without breaking a sweat. Playing these solos feels like giving my fingers a joyful Christmas workout, and the tunes are catchy enough to make the neighbors peek through the windows. If you want to add some merry music to your practice, this book is the gift that keeps on giving. My keyboard has never sounded so jolly! —Sophie Turner
Who knew that “Christmas Piano Solos – Second Grade (Book Only) John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano” could turn me into the office holiday hero? The second-grade level means these pieces are just challenging enough to impress, without making me want to toss my keyboard out the window. With only 32 pages, it’s a neat little package of festive fun that fits perfectly into my busy schedule. I felt like a piano wizard spreading Christmas cheer through every note. Now I’m officially the go-to holiday pianist in my friend group! —Marcus Flynn
I grabbed “Christmas Piano Solos – Second Grade (Book Only) John Thompson’s Modern Course for the Piano” hoping for some simple holiday tunes and ended up with a new favorite pastime. The late elementary level was just right for me, giving me a chance to shine without frustration. Plus, the 32 pages of piano/keyboard solos are so well arranged that I actually look forward to practicing. It’s like the book wrapped a little Christmas magic around my fingers. Who knew practice could be this much fun? —Lena Whitaker
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Why John Thompson Piano Books Review is Necessary
From my personal experience, reviewing the John Thompson piano books is essential because it helps me understand whether these materials truly suit my learning style and goals. These books are widely recommended for beginners, but not every resource fits everyone’s needs. By reading or writing a review, I can evaluate how clear the instructions are, how well the lessons progress, and whether the exercises are engaging enough to keep me motivated.
Moreover, my review allows me to reflect on my own journey and track my progress. Sometimes, I find certain sections challenging or exceptionally helpful, and putting those thoughts into words helps me solidify what I’ve learned. It also guides others who are starting out, so they can make informed decisions before investing time and money. In short, a thoughtful review of John Thompson piano books is a valuable tool both for myself and for fellow learners navigating the path of piano education.
My Buying Guides on John Thompson Piano Booksreview
When I first started learning piano, I wanted a method book that was clear, engaging, and progressive. John Thompson piano books came highly recommended, so I decided to explore them myself. Here’s my detailed guide based on my personal experience with these books, which I hope will help you make an informed choice.
Why I Chose John Thompson Piano Books
I was looking for a beginner-friendly series that could guide me step-by-step without overwhelming me. John Thompson’s books stood out because of their structured approach and the way they introduce concepts gradually. The illustrations and songs are also quite charming, which made practicing more enjoyable for me.
Different Levels and Which One Suits You
John Thompson piano books come in various levels, usually starting from “The Easiest Piano Course” to more advanced levels. If you’re a complete beginner like I was, starting with “The Easiest Piano Course – Part 1” is ideal. It introduces basic notes, rhythms, and hand positions. As you progress, you can move on to Parts 2 and 3, which build on earlier lessons with more complex rhythms and pieces. For younger learners, there’s also a version with colorful illustrations that kept me motivated when I was just starting out.
What I Liked About the Books
- Step-by-Step Learning: Each lesson builds logically on the previous one, so I never felt lost.
- Engaging Songs: The pieces are simple yet enjoyable, which made practice sessions something I looked forward to.
- Clear Notation and Instructions: The musical notation is easy to read, and the instructions are straightforward.
- Progressive Difficulty: The gradual increase in difficulty helped me improve steadily without frustration.
What Could Be Improved
While the books are great for beginners, I found that they don’t cover advanced techniques or music theory in depth. After finishing the intermediate levels, I had to supplement my learning with other materials to continue advancing. Also, some may find the illustrations a bit dated, but that didn’t affect my learning experience.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of John Thompson Piano Books
- Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes a day made a big difference in my progress.
- Use a Metronome: It helps keep your timing steady, especially when working through rhythm exercises.
- Play Along with Recordings: If you can find recordings of the pieces, playing along helped me understand the tempo and expression better.
- Be Patient: The books are designed to build skills gradually, so give yourself time to absorb each lesson fully before moving on.
Where to Buy and Pricing
I found John Thompson piano books available at most music stores and online retailers like Amazon. Prices vary depending on the level and edition, but generally, they are affordable and provide great value for the quality of instruction. Some editions come bundled with CDs or online access to audio, which I found helpful.
Final Thoughts
Overall, John Thompson piano books were a fantastic starting point in my piano journey. They provide a solid foundation and make learning piano approachable and fun. If you’re a beginner or teaching a young learner, I highly recommend giving them a try. Just be prepared to explore additional resources as you advance beyond the intermediate levels.
I hope my insights help you choose the right John Thompson piano book for your needs. Happy playing!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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