Looking for a reliable piano solos collection that covers classical to contemporary pieces? This guide highlights five standout “great piano solos” books ideal for intermediate to advanced players, students, teachers, and hobbyists. Each entry is chosen for a specific need—seasoned sight-readers, technique builders, late-intermediate players, or collections of timeless standards. Below, you’ll also find a quick buying table to compare core details at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Great Piano Solos – The Red Book | Intermediate to advanced players seeking diverse solo repertoire | 160 pages, classic concert-ready pieces |
| GREAT PIANO SOLOS – THE WHITE BOOK | Collectors and teachers needing a themed library | White-book collection with curated solos |
| 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever | All-around repertoire for intermediate to advanced | 464 pages, wide variety |
| Best Piano Solos Songbook – Phillip Keveren | Popular songs arranged for practice and performance | 64 pages, late elementary to advanced |
| Library of Piano Classics | Classical staples for intermediate to advanced | Timeless repertoire |
Great Piano Solos – The Red Book
Best for intermediate to advanced players who want a diverse collection of piano solos in a single volume. The Red Book offers 160 pages of piano/keyboard arrangements, presenting a broad mix of classical and contemporary pieces. This book is well-suited for recital preparation, classroom use, and personal study.
Why selected: It balances accessibility with musical depth, making it a reliable core repertoire source in many studios. Beneficial for players building a varied solo library while maintaining moderate difficulty. The main limitation is that some pieces may feel dated to performers seeking modern contemporary pops, so it pairs well with newer collections for variety.
GREAT PIANO SOLOS – THE WHITE BOOK
The White Book targets collectors and teachers who want a themed solo library with clearly organized selections. It’s ideal for building a consistent repertoire set across a course or studio. The book’s focus on Great Piano Solos makes it a practical companion for lessons and recitals alike.
Why selected: The collection’s cohesion helps learners compare styles within a single volume. Best for those who value a curated approach over random assortments. Caution: its scope may feel narrow for players seeking a very broad modern-pop range in a single volume.
100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever
Best for players seeking a wide, varied solo repertoire with a focus on beauty and expressiveness. This Hal Leonard collection spans classical and contemporary pieces across many eras, making it ideal for recital programs, deep study, and personal enjoyment. The large 464-page volume ensures ample options for many practice sessions.
Why selected: Its breadth supports long-term practice plans and program planning. Better for those who want a broad spectrum rather than specialized genres. Limitation: the size and weight may be less portable for travel practice.
Best Piano Solos Songbook – Phillip Keveren
This Phillip Keveren collection is ideal for late elementary to advanced players looking for popular tunes reimagined as piano solos. The 64-page book emphasizes approachable arrangements that still offer expressive opportunities for performance and study. It’s a practical choice for teachers enabling students to tackle familiar songs with fresh arrangements.
Why selected: Keveren’s arrangements are known for musical readability and pedagogical value. Choose this if you want singable, well-known pieces that translate well to solo playing. Caution: a few pieces may lean toward classic pop standards rather than cutting-edge contemporary works.
Library of Piano Classics
A timeless collection designed for intermediate to advanced players who favor classical staples. This Library of Piano Classics features famous pieces from the standard repertoire in a well-organized format, making it a reliable reference for study, recital prep, and repertoire depth. The edition’s emphasis on enduring works makes it appealing for long-term library value.
Why selected: It provides reliable, well-known classics that complement other more modern or varied anthologies. Better for building a strong classical foundation. Limitation: the selection focuses more on classical era music than recent popular pieces.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a piano solos collection?
- Skill level alignment: Look for the stated difficulty range (late elementary to advanced) to match your current ability and goals.
- Repertoire breadth: Do you want a broad mix of eras and genres, or a focused classical/specific style collection?
- Size and portability: Larger volumes offer more pieces but are heavier and less convenient for travel.
- Arrangement style: Check whether the pieces are original scores or simplified/arranged versions, which affects practice time and performance quality.
- Educational value: Some books include notes on interpretation, phrasing, and technique, which can aid in learning beyond note-reading.
How to use these books effectively
- Alternate between pieces to build versatility and avoid plateaus.
- Pair a wide-collection book with a focused classical anthology to reinforce technique.
- Schedule recital-ready selections from the collection for performance confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best piano solos book for beginners?
– Look for late elementary to early intermediate levels; Phillip Keveren’s arrangements often fit this range, if the edition specifies that level. - Are these books suitable for self-study?
– Yes, most are designed for individual practice, though teacher guidance can enhance interpretation and technique. - Which book offers the most classical repertoire?
– Library of Piano Classics and 100 of the Most Beautiful Piano Solos Ever emphasize classical staples and well-known pieces. - Can these books support recital programming?
– Yes; several selections are recital-ready and cover a broad emotional and technical spectrum. - Do these volumes include performance notes?
– Some editions include notes; check each product’s features for details on pedagogical content. - Is portability a concern for large volumes?
– Larger books provide more pieces but are heavier; consider a mix with smaller, portable options for practice on the go.