I love and trust the Alfred's Basic Piano Library for most of my piano students. Although I have experience teaching through several different methods, I feel like the Alfred's series is one of the most easy to understand. The material is presented clearly and allows the teacher to progress the student as fast or slow as needed based on each individual student's needs. I will recommend which level best suits the student based on age, music reading ability, and learning style. The Lesson and Theory books are required to take lessons. The books that I have under the recommended column are to help spice up the lessons with fun, recognizable songs that students enjoy playing. Students are always welcome to bring additional books or pieces from home that they are interested in learning. Students should also always have a notebook (any size) to take notes on what to practice each week, and to write down other helpful information that I give them that may not be included the book.