As we wrote our Christmas is Coming blog post, we remembered that one of the most common enquiries that we receive at this time of year is from (or on behalf of!) adults returning to play an instrument learnt as a child. (Following closely behind are enquiries about beginning a musical instrument for the first time!)

Adult learners (whether beginners or ‘returners'), tend to focus on the Piano or Guitar. However, there are other options out there! Why not consider another instrument!

Returning to play the 

Piano

Tutor Books

Of course, there are a myriad of tutor books for piano for those returning to play an instrument as this is still, by far, the most popular instrument for learners of all ages. However, there is a world of difference between tutor books aimed at young children and adult learners, beginners or otherwise. Whilst it may be convenient (and cheaper!) to beg, borrow or steal your child's John Thompson Easiest Piano Course books, a diet of nursery rhymes, BIG writing and colourful artwork is likely to prove frustrating rather quickly. Fret not! There is a specific alternative, aimed at adult learners, the John Thompson Adult Piano Course. There are other alternatives as well, namely:

Carol Barratt

The Classic Piano Course is available separately as Books 1, 2 & 3 or as an Omnibus edition, containing all three books.

Pam Wedgwood

It's Never too late to play Piano - for those who wish they'd learnt to play the piano in their younger days, or those who wish they hadn't given up! Backed up by a veritable library of other material from the author of many other popular piano series, this ‘grown-up' approach also has a second volume, as well as a wealth of other supporting material (see below under Repertoire)

Repertoire

Pam Wedgwood

Additional material in the It's Never too late to play Piano series includes: Blues, Rags & Boogies, Rock ‘n Roll, Classics, Christmas (!), Showtunes, and Jazz.

Melanie Spanswick

Chimes is pleased to stock a range of publications by Melanie, a professor at the Guildhall School, and host of the Facebook Group Adult Piano Returners. The Play it again Piano series, consisting of Books 1, 2 & 3, is aimed at those that used to play the piano and would like to again.

Other options

Of course, as an adult, there is no reason to limit your choice of repertoire. After all, you no longer need to stick to the prescribed list of pieces in preparation for a grade exam! The Really Easy Piano series has an inordinate number of options: Christmas Carols, Film Themes, Abba, The Nutcracker, The Beatles, 40 Taylor Swift Songs, The Frozen Collection, Taylor Swift ♭

Accessories

Once you have an instrument, as a pianist, there isn't much else that you might need - a pencil perhaps♭ If so, options include this set of pencils from Henle (of Urtext fame) or this magnetic pencil set which may adhere to your music stand on your keyboard/piano and finally, this, rather old-fashioned, but still useful, rubber. Alternatively, how about a phone/tablet stand♭

Of course, the classic gift for a beginner (or returning!) pianist is a metronome. At Christmas, the temptation is to opt for an ‘old-fashioned' mechanical wind-up metronome to put on top of a piano. Of course, these are often beautiful (and consequently not inexpensive!) and make a lovely gift - although they must sit on a level surface.

Guitar

Tutor Books

Whether for Classical Guitar (nylon-strung) or Acoustic (metal-strung), there are many different options - the ever-popular Complete Guitar Player series is available separately, with or without audio or as an omnibus edition.

Repertoire

Again, whether for Classical or Acoustic there is plenty of choice. If anything, the choice for Acoustic guitar is even wider! Choose your favourite artist or group or browse our collections, or broaden your horizons and try something new.

Accessories

Similar to the piano above, but with the added possibility (really a need!) of a tuner. These can come combined with a metronome or separately in a similar format or, alternatively, as a clip-on.

Be careful when choosing strings for the budding (or experienced) guitarist though. This is a very personal choice, and whilst a set of strings is not necessarily going to break the bank, it is never nice to give someone a carefully wrapped present and see a disappointed face. Perhaps look out for the make, gauge and material of an existing set to try and match♭

A guitarist can never have too many plectrums or the necessary accessories to care for their instrument - or cables, whether guitar, mic, XLR or jack to jack. Chimes stocks different colours & lengths of cables, both braided and non-braided, patch cables with different connectors and brands: Kirlin, Ernie Ball, Planet Waves, Kinsman.

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Photocopies & downloads
Candidates should not perform from unauthorised photocopies (or other kinds of copies) or illegal downloads of copyright music in examinations. There are limited circumstances where copies can be used in an examination the UK. The MPA's Code of Fair Practice gives further guidance. Before making a copy an application should be made to the copyright holder and evidence of permission should be brought to the exam. Candidates and Applicants must act within the law with regard to copyright.