Piano Books: A Guide to Exam Books, Methods & Repertoire
If you have ever stood in front of a shelf packed with piano books, you know the feeling: method books, collections, exam editions, sheet music — everything looks important, and it is far from obvious where to begin. And when the teacher’s note says “please get the Grade 3 book”, things get even trickier: which book, from which board, for which year?
In this guide we will untangle the main types of piano books, how they differ, how to choose by level, and what teachers in Cyprus conservatoires typically ask for. At Partassides, music books are our strongest specialty — with more than 2,400 titles, our book collection is among the most complete in Cyprus, so everything below comes from what we see in the shop every day.
What are the main types of piano books?
Almost every piano book falls into one of three big categories. Each serves a different purpose in a student’s journey — and most students use all three side by side.
1. Method books
A method book is the piano’s “school textbook”: a structured series that starts from zero and gradually builds technique, score reading and musical understanding. Every piece introduces something new — a note, a rhythm, a hand position — layered on top of what has already been learned.
Methods come in levels (usually Primer or Book 1 through Book 4-5), and many series include companion workbooks: a theory book, a performance book, a technique book. In our Method – Student Resources category you will find the series most conservatoires and private teachers in Cyprus work with.
One important point: the method is almost always the teacher’s choice. Every teacher has a series they work best with, and consistency within that series matters a great deal — never switch methods mid-way without talking to them first.
2. Exam books
In Cyprus, most piano students’ progress runs through the graded exams of the British boards: ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London. Both are widely used in conservatoires and music schools across the island, from Nicosia to Limassol.
Exam books are each board’s official editions for each grade (Initial/Prep through Grade 8), containing the pieces of the current syllabus. Two things need special attention here:
- The right board. An ABRSM Grade 3 book does not cover a Trinity Grade 3 exam — the pieces are different. Ask the teacher which board the student will sit.
- The right syllabus period. Exam repertoire is refreshed in cycles. The book must match the exam period you are preparing for — which is why, in the shop, we always ask “for which year?” before recommending an edition.
Beyond the pieces themselves, the boards also publish books for scales & arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests. You will find all of these in our Exam Books category, and more specifically under Practical Exams. For the written side, there are separate editions under Theory Exams.
3. Repertoire and collections
Repertoire is all the rest of the music: collections of classical works, sonatinas, romantic pieces, jazz, pop arrangements, film music, Christmas albums. It is by far the largest category — the piano repertoire collection at Partassides runs to more than 1,000 titles.
Repertoire is not an “optional extra”. It is what keeps a student in love with the instrument: pieces chosen because they enjoy them, not because a syllabus demands them. Good collections state a difficulty level (easy, intermediate, or a grade equivalence), so you can pick something that fits without causing frustration.
A special corner belongs to duets — pieces for four hands at one piano. They are one of the most enjoyable ways for a student to work on rhythm and listening, whether with the teacher or with another student.
Comparison: method vs exam book vs repertoire
| Criterion | Method Book | Exam Book | Repertoire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Systematic learning from zero | Preparation for a specific exam | Enjoyment, depth, musical growth |
| Structure | Progressive, in levels (Primer–Book 4/5) | Per grade (Initial–Grade 8) | Free, by style or difficulty |
| Who chooses it | The teacher | The board (ABRSM/Trinity) + teacher | The student, with guidance |
| How long it is used | Months per volume | One exam cycle | Years — it never “expires” |
| What to check when buying | Correct series and volume | Correct board, grade and syllabus | A difficulty level that fits |
How do you choose books by level?
Beginner (first 1-2 years)
At the start, the method the teacher has set is the backbone — together with its theory workbook if the series has one. Add one easy repertoire collection with familiar melodies: children’s songs, simple arrangements, film tunes. For younger children there are also lovely options among our children’s music books. A basic theory book helps reading skills develop alongside playing.
Intermediate (Grades 1-5)
This is usually where the first exams come in. The typical “kit” for a student at this stage: the exam book for their grade, the matching scales book, a sight-reading book, and some non-exam repertoire for balance. Students who play only their three exam pieces all year often lose their spark — outside repertoire is the antidote.
Advanced (Grades 6-8 and beyond)
At the higher grades the repertoire becomes more demanding and editions start to matter: complete sonatas, urtext editions of the classics, technical studies. Theory also deepens here — for ABRSM, Grade 5 Theory is a prerequisite for practical Grades 6-8, so the theory books are not optional. Students who love playing with others can also explore music for 2 pianos and 4 hands.
What do teachers in Cyprus usually ask for?
From our experience in the shop, teachers’ requests follow a steady pattern:
- A specific method and volume — with the series name and level. If the note only says “Book 2”, bring it in or photograph it: we will identify it.
- An exam book with board, grade and period — e.g. “Trinity, Grade 2, current syllabus”. If any of the three is missing, ask before you buy.
- Scales and sight-reading books for the same grade, usually together with the exam book.
- A theory workbook at the matching level.
One practical rule that saves a lot of hassle: do not buy exam books “pre-emptively” before the teacher has spoken. The wrong syllabus or the wrong board means paying twice — and it is the most common mistake we see.
Tips for exam preparation
Start early with the right book. Six to eight months before the exam is a realistic horizon for three pieces to mature — not merely to be “learned”.
Do not practise the pieces alone. Scales, sight-reading and aural tests carry a significant share of the marks, and they are where most points are lost. The matching books exist for every grade — use them from the start of the year, not in the final month.
Keep the book clean, but not unmarked. Fingerings and the teacher’s pencil notes are precious. A well-annotated exam book is a diary of the year.
Balance with non-exam music. One piece the student plays purely for pleasure keeps practice alive through the hard months.
Think about the instrument too. Exam preparation needs daily access to a piano with a proper touch. If there is no instrument at home yet, ask us about our piano options or about our rental service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between ABRSM and Trinity College London?
Both are British exam boards with international recognition and a strong presence in Cyprus. They differ in the structure of the exam — for instance, in how the supporting tests are weighted and in how flexibly repertoire can be chosen. For a parent, the practical takeaway is simple: the board is determined by the conservatoire or teacher, and the books must match that board.
Can I use an older sibling’s exam book?
Only if it matches the current syllabus for that grade. Exam repertoire is refreshed periodically, so a book from a few years ago most likely contains pieces that are no longer examined. Check the period printed on the cover, or ask the teacher.
Does a beginner need both a method and repertoire?
Ideally yes, but with the method as the foundation. The method builds the fundamentals in a logical order; one easy collection of pieces the student genuinely likes adds the motivation. Two books in total are plenty at the start — more than that simply gather dust.
When should I buy the exam books?
As soon as the teacher confirms the board, grade and exam period — usually at the beginning of the school year. That leaves time both for choosing pieces and for the real work. Avoid last-minute purchases: demand for specific titles rises close to exam sessions.
Do piano books also work for a keyboard?
Largely yes, especially at the early levels — the notes and theory are the same. There are, however, methods written specifically for keyboard, with auto-accompaniment styles and a different approach to the left hand. If the student plans to move to an acoustic piano later, a classical piano method is the safest foundation.
Conclusion
The right books are not a detail — they are the map of a student’s journey at the piano. A method for the foundations, exam books for the goals, repertoire for the love of music: when all three coexist, progress comes more smoothly and with far more joy.
If you are not sure exactly what you need, start from the teacher’s note and let us solve it together — at Partassides we have been doing this since 1958, and with more than 2,400 titles in our book collection, the chances are that what you are looking for is either on the shelf or something we can order for you.
Related guides
- Your First Piano: Acoustic, Digital Piano or Keyboard?
- Back to School: Instruments & Equipment for Music Lessons
- Which Musical Instrument Suits Your Child? A Guide by Age
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