Music, Magic, and Method – The Ultimate First Book for Piano Beginners
Learning piano should be a magical experience, and Acti Learning Music: Piano & Keyboard Book 1 by Nianda Candace Reid captures that magic beautifully. Tailored specifically for children and young learners, this educational workbook is not only instructional but also interactive, creative, and fun.
What impressed me immediately was the visual appeal and kid-friendly layout. The pages are engaging without being overwhelming. Every exercise, activity, and note-reading lesson is introduced with care and clarity, making it perfect for true beginners.
The book opens with basics, like posture and finger numbers, and evolves into structured lessons on scales, rhythm, pitch, and chords. Each concept is carefully scaffolded so that learners build skills without getting overwhelmed. But what makes this book stand apart is that it doesn’t just teach—it inspires.
Reid has infused each lesson with elements that foster musical curiosity and creativity. Students are prompted to try their hand at basic composition and even explore improvisation. These features may sound advanced, but they are introduced in such an accessible way that even the youngest players feel empowered.
The diverse musical styles featured throughout the book keep the lessons exciting and globally relevant. From Latin grooves to jazz motifs, classical forms to pop rhythm patterns, students explore music from different cultures and genres. This variety ensures that learners don’t feel boxed in—they get to see music as the expansive, expressive art it truly is.
The digital component—free YouTube tutorials—is also a major asset. These videos help reinforce each lesson, allowing students to learn visually and aurally. It’s particularly useful for home practice, bridging the gap between lessons and empowering independent learning.
As a reviewer, I often ask: Does this book grow with the learner? In this case, yes—it absolutely does. Acti Learning Music builds a real foundation for further music study. It doesn’t rush, and it doesn’t bore. It guides, encourages, and celebrates every step a student takes.
This book isn’t just for children—it’s for the child in all of us who wants to touch a piano and feel the thrill of creation. Whether you're a teacher looking for a powerful tool or a parent hoping to inspire your child, this book belongs on your shelf.
About the Author
Nianda Candace Reid is a qualified piano educator with an ARSM in Piano Performance and an LTCL in Instrumental Teaching from Trinity College London. With over 10 years of experience teaching one-to-one and group lessons across primary and secondary schools, including Merton Music Foundation and Bromley Youth Music Trust (BYMT), she has successfully guided hundreds of students through graded exams using a student-centred, inclusive approach. Nianda is a fully licensed and DBS-checked teacher, offering both online and in-person lessons. She is also a dedicated pianist and serves as a Diversity Ambassador at BYMT. Acti Learning Music reflects her passion for holistic, engaging, and accessible piano education for all learning styles.
Book Name: Acti Learning Music: Piano & Keyboard Book 1
Author Name: Nianda Reid
ISBN Number: 978-1968966331
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