Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Bastien Primer A Lesson and Theory Books
Best Alternative Method BookKodály or Eurhythmics Early Music Classes
Best Music Foundation ClassPrice
$8-$15
$15-$40 per class
Summary
A structured, teacher-approved curriculum that pairs lesson and theory books from day one. Piano teachers on Reddit specifically recommend it for young beginners who need short, achievable goals.
Before formal piano lessons, music educators widely recommend rhythm and ear-training classes to build a musical foundation. These group classes are specifically designed for ages 3-5.
Pros
- Pairs lesson book with theory book for well-rounded early learning
- Structured progression from Primer A → Primer B → Level 1
- Recommended by piano teachers specifically for young students needing achievable milestones
- Widely available and affordable
- Developmentally appropriate for age 4 — focuses on rhythm, singing, and movement
- Builds musical ear and foundation that accelerates later piano learning
- Group class format is more engaging for young children than one-on-one lessons
- Recommended by piano educators on r/piano as the ideal starting point
Cons
- More structured/traditional than Faber, which some young kids find less engaging
- Best used with a teacher rather than for self-guided learning
- Less colorful/playful visual design compared to Faber series
- Not available in all areas — requires finding a qualified local instructor
- Doesn't directly teach piano technique
- Some parents want instrument-specific lessons and may find this indirect
Our take
Bastien is the other name that keeps coming up alongside Faber in piano teacher communities — if your child's teacher prefers a more theory-forward approach from the start, this is the one to grab.
This is the honest answer most piano teachers won't tell you upfront: a 4-year-old often benefits more from Kodály or Eurhythmics classes than sitting at a piano bench. Build the ear first, then the fingers.
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