Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Bastien Primer A Lesson and Theory Books
Best Alternative Method BookSimply Piano by JoyTunes
Best App-Based LearningPrice
$8-$15
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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.
A gamified piano learning app that listens through your device's microphone and gives real-time feedback. Works with any keyboard or piano and keeps young kids motivated with game-like progression.
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
- Listens in real-time and gives immediate feedback — no teacher required to start
- Game-like progression keeps young children motivated
- Works with any keyboard or piano the child already has
- Structured curriculum that grows with the child's skill level
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
- Subscription cost adds up over time
- At age 4, most children need adult supervision and guidance to use effectively
- App-based learning can't fully replace a human teacher for technique and posture
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.
For a 4-year-old who needs instant gratification to stay engaged, Simply Piano's game-like format can bridge the gap between toy and serious learning — just don't expect it to replace a real teacher.
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