Where to Start with Nancy & Randall Faber
Nancy and Randall Faber are an American husband-and-wife team of pianists, educators, and authors who created the Faber Piano Adventures series, one of the most popular piano methods in North America. Nancy Faber holds a doctorate in piano pedagogy, while Randall Faber earned his doctorate in music from the University of Michigan. Together they developed an approach to piano instruction that emphasizes musicality from the very first lesson, integrating technique, theory, and real repertoire into a cohesive learning experience. Their adult edition brings the same thoughtful pedagogy to grown-up beginners, with online media support that makes self-study genuinely effective.
Start here
Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Book 1
Nancy Faber & Randall Faber · 184 pages · 2002 · Easy
Themes: piano method, music notation, chord playing, musical form
The adult edition of the best-selling Piano Adventures series, designed from the ground up for grown-up learners. This All-in-One book covers lessons, technique, and theory in 16 structured units that take you from zero experience to reading and playing music in both hands with chord accompaniment.
Why Start Here
The Fabers’ approach stands out for its emphasis on playing recognizable music early. From the first units, you encounter arrangements of Amazing Grace, Danny Boy, Greensleeves, and The Entertainer. This makes practice sessions feel rewarding rather than repetitive. The method also introduces chord-symbol reading prominently, which is especially valuable if your goal is to play pop, jazz, or worship music rather than strictly classical pieces.
What to Expect
A 184-page course with 16 units, each building carefully on the previous one. Online audio and video support is included with the book, giving you demonstrations of how each piece should sound. The pace is measured and thorough, making this a strong choice for learners who want to feel fully confident at each stage.