I teach my own kids how to play piano. I know it doesn’t work for everyone, but it works for us.
My Old Lesson Books
My youngest daughter is in level 3 of Alfred. She prefers using lesson books rather than doing the RCM lists. She’s using my old lesson book and my husband’s old Fingerpower book.
She loves seeing the little notes from our teachers. One page in the Fingerpower said, “You can do it!” I told her that her dad had a really hard time with that page. She was delighted to get it in the first try.
One song (there were words, so it was a song) from my old lesson book had several dates listed on the second half of the song. I told her that it took that many tries to get it down. She didn’t feel bad that she had to take two weeks on it.
Used Bookstore
Our used bookstore has a decent collection of used sheet music. I’m not usually there for the used lesson books, but sometimes I’ll flip through them to see if there are any nuggets of information.
Every once in awhile, I’ll find one that’s written in by the teacher. I haven’t found anything worthwhile for myself, but I’ve known people to find good information in there.
Personal Preference
Personally, I love working from used music in general. Sometimes the beats are already written in for a tough rhythm. Sometimes there are words of encouragement written at the top of the page. I also like the idea that this book has been through someone’s blood, sweat, and tears and now it’s going through it with me. It’s experienced.
I’m in a habit of checking to see if there’s a sheet music section of every used book store that I go to, including Goodwill. I once got a $50 etude book for $1, and this one was brand-new. If you find yourself in one of those kinds of stores, take a look. If you find nothing, you’re out nothing, but you might find a gem.
I know some people like the feel of having a shiny, new book. That’s completely fine. As you write things into your music so you will always remember them, think about how maybe your music will inspire someone else someday.