Piano Method “Beyer”: Key Features and Tips for Improvement

When you’re thinking of starting piano, one of the most frequently recommended books is the piano method “Beyer.”

It’s said to help you build fundamentals that apply widely from classical to popular music, but many people may worry, “Isn’t it an old method and therefore hard?” “Does it really work?”

This article clearly explains an overview of “Beyer,” its pros and cons, and effective practice methods.

What Is the “Beyer” Piano Method?

History and Overview of Beyer

“Beyer” is a collection of piano studies created in the 19th century by German composer Ferdinand Beyer.

It’s extremely well known as “the first method book a beginner encounters,” and anyone who has studied piano seriously has likely heard of it.

It’s a standard gateway to classical study.

Why Is Beyer So Famous?

Here are the main reasons the “Beyer” piano method is so well known.

• A staple for fundamentals: Efficiently learn basic techniques such as scales and rhythm
• Track record in education: A historical background of adoption in music schools and general education
• Step-by-step structure: Studies are organized by level, making it approachable even for self-study

Key Characteristics of Beyer

Pros

◯ Ideal for mastering fundamentals
Because it starts with simple melodies and rhythms, you can naturally acquire fingering and reading.

◯ Gradual learning steps
Each piece increases slightly in difficulty, so beginners can readily feel their progress.

◯ Gateway to classical music
It fosters a basic classical sensibility, making it easier to move on to later repertoire.

Cons

◻︎ May feel old-fashioned
Composed in the 19th century, it can sound dated compared with contemporary music and pop.

◻︎ Early stages can feel monotonous
There’s a lot of repetition, so you’ll need strategies to keep motivation up.

◻︎ It can take time before you play favorite songs
Since some modern methods introduce pop tunes from the start, Beyer may feel slow for those who want to play favorite songs quickly.

Piano Method Book Features and Recommended Practice Order

When you decide to start learning piano, it’s easy to feel unsure about which method book to choose and in what order you should practice. In this article, we’ve picked seven classic piano method books that are widely used as you step up from beginner to intermediate and advanced: “Burnam,” “Beyer,” “Burgmüller,” “Czerny,” “Hanon,” “Inventions,” […]

Effective Ways to Study with Beyer

Here are practice tips for studying with Beyer and ways to stay motivated.

Practice Tips

◯ Be mindful of hand shape and finger numbers
In the earliest stages of Beyer, finger numbers are especially important. Keep a rounded hand and develop the habit of playing with proper form to reduce strain later.

◯ Practice hands separately
Rather than jumping into hands together, practice right hand first, then left. This helps you firmly grasp rhythm and melody.

◯ Start at a slow tempo
Playing fast before you’re ready makes the fingers fall behind and leads to mistakes. Begin slowly and carefully, focusing on accurate sound production.

How to Stay Motivated

◯ Set small goals
Decide on detailed targets such as “This week I’ll perfect the right hand of this piece” or “Next week I’ll play hands together at tempo,” and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

◯ Use short, frequent sessions
Rather than one long session, frequent practice of 15–30 minutes a day is more effective.

◯ Record and review your playing
Record yourself on a smartphone and listen back objectively to find hints for improvement.

Comparing Beyer with Other Piano Methods

Burnam

Difficulty / Stage: Introductory to beginner

Key features
Short mini-pieces with stick-figure illustrations let you learn basic playing and rhythm enjoyably.

Who is it for?
Use as a warm-up before starting Beyer or Burgmüller to more smoothly develop finger independence and movement.

Stick Figures Make Learning Fun! Features of the “Burnam” Piano Method and Tips for Improvement

“Burnam” is a piano method book that allows beginners through intermediate players to build core technique while having fun. It’s especially known for its distinctive illustrations featuring stick-figure characters, thoughtfully designed to boost motivation—particularly for children, but also for a wide range of learners. This article clearly explains the features of “Burnam,” how to study […]

Hanon

Difficulty / Stage: Useful from beginners studying Beyer through advanced players

Key features
• Intensively strengthens finger agility with repeated patterns like scales and arpeggios
• With little melody content, it’s ideal for warm-ups and reinforcing weak techniques

Who is it for?
• Those wanting to build finger independence alongside Beyer
• Those aiming to stabilize fundamentals for later studies (Czerny, Inventions, etc.)

VR Piano Game “Sigure”

Play Piano Even If You Can’t Read Sheet Music!!

The Hanon Piano Method: Features and Tips for Improvement (Finger Training)

Hanon is a collection of exercises highly regarded as the go-to method for building technique when learning the piano. Because it intensively trains finger agility through scales, arpeggios, repeated notes, and more, it’s widely used from beginners to advanced players. This article clearly explains the overview and characteristics of the piano method “Hanon,” along with […]

Burgmüller (e.g., 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100)

Difficulty / Stage: After finishing Beyer through early–pre-intermediate

Key features
• Many pieces feature gentle, beautiful melodies that nurture expression and lyrical playing
• Attractive for developing both technique and musicality
• Each piece has a title (e.g., “Arabesque,” “Angel’s Voices”) that aids imagination

Who is it for?
• Learners moving to the next stage after Beyer
• Those who want to enjoy not only technique but also expressive shaping

Piano Method “Burgmüller”: Features and Tips for Improvement

As you continue studying piano, you’ll almost certainly hear the name “Burgmüller.” The appeal lies in its gentle, beautiful melodies and the ability to develop a wide range of expressive skills, though some may worry, “It’s classical music, so isn’t it hard?” “Will I really be able to play it?” This article clearly explains an […]

Czerny

Difficulty / Stage (varies by set)
“Czerny 100 Easy Studies” (Op. 139): alongside or after Beyer as supplementary material
“Czerny 30 Studies” (Op. 849): about the same or slightly harder than Burgmüller
“Czerny 40 / 50 Studies” (Ops. 299 / 740): for progressing to intermediate–advanced

Key features
• Focused training for technical elements like finger independence, fast passagework, and repeated notes
• May feel monotonous, but it reliably improves finger agility

Who is it for?
• Players who want solid technical conditioning
• Those who want thorough scale and finger-work practice essential for classical performance

Piano Method “Czerny”: Features and Tips for Improvement

The set of studies known as “Czerny” is practically synonymous with technical exercises, and most piano learners have heard the name at least once. However, because of its image as a book that “focuses purely on building technique,” many people worry that it might be “too difficult” or “monotonous and hard to keep up.” This […]

Inventions (Bach)

Difficulty / Stage: After Burgmüller or Czerny Op. 849 and onward to intermediate

Key features
• Polyphonic (multi-voice) studies by Bach for two and three parts
• Because multiple melodies progress simultaneously, you can train advanced independence between the hands
• Sharpens phrasing detail and ear training to distinguish overlapping lines

Who is it for?
• Those who want to play classical repertoire more seriously
• Those who want to learn to play carefully while listening to resonance and texture

Piano Method “Inventions (Bach)”: Features and Tips for Improvement

Bach’s “Inventions” are one of the essential method books you can’t skip if you want to study classical music in depth. They’re said to be ideal for honing advanced performance technique and musical expression—such as “moving the hands independently” and “distinguishing multiple voices”—but many players may feel they look intimidating. This article clearly explains the […]

Sonatina Album

Difficulty / Stage: Alongside Czerny Op. 849 and the Inventions to intermediate

Key features
• Sonatinas by Classical-era composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven
• Learning sonata form foundations deepens understanding of classical music
• Ideal for developing sense of form and expressive ability

Who is it for?
• Learners who want to trace the flow from Baroque to Classical and step up to sonatas and more demanding works
• Those who want not only technique but also structural understanding and basic theory

Piano Method “Sonatina Album”: Features and Tips for Improvement

The “Sonatina Album” is a piano method book that focuses on small-scale Classical sonatas (sonatinas). It is known as an important volume for stepping up to the “intermediate level” for learners who have finished Beyer, Burgmüller, Czerny, Inventions, and the like. This article clearly explains the Sonatina Album’s overview, characteristics, and tips for improving. もくじWhat […]

An Example Study Flow

Of course, the order may vary depending on the learner’s goals and the lesson approach.

Some people study popular music in parallel, so proceed flexibly while keeping your motivation high.

Next Steps After Beyer: Study Plans for Intermediate and Beyond

Recommended Books & Repertoire After Finishing Beyer

◯ Czerny
Harder than Beyer and effective for acquiring more advanced technique. Choose sets such as Czerny 30 or 40 according to your level.

◯ Burgmüller
Many pieces have beautiful melodic lines, making it ideal for polishing expressive playing.

◯ Pop and anime songs
Including songs you love makes it easier to maintain motivation.

Combining with Lessons and Online Study

In-person lessons
Having a professional check your form and rhythm helps you correct issues that are hard to notice when studying alone.

Online lessons
From home, you can learn hand movements and expression efficiently—ideal for busy learners.

Summary: How to Make the Most of the “Beyer” Piano Method

Beyer is an excellent method for beginners to solidify their fundamentals.

Although the pieces are classical in style, that very focus helps you steadily build the core of piano playing—note reading, fingering, and sense of rhythm.

Once you firmly establish the basics, the range of pieces you can play will expand, and you’ll be able to tackle the songs you love.

If you’re about to start piano or want to rebuild from the ground up, begin with the fundamentals in “Beyer.”