Classical piano repertoire book
This book offers a curated selection of timeless classical pieces for intermediate to advanced pianists.
Books, Music & Media
Sheet music
6 kinds worth knowing, 7 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Sheet music suits people who already play or are learning. That could be a teen in lessons, a college student who kept up piano, or a grandparent who still plays in the evenings. The books that get used match what the person can play now, or what they'll reach in a few months. Books that are too hard end up on a shelf. Before you buy, find out the instrument, roughly how long they've played, and what they like listening to. Piano music for beginners and guitar sheet music are two of the most-searched kinds, and both work well if you get the level right. Music they already love is the most likely to get played.
Kind 1 of 6
Piano books for players who know the basics
This is the widest group: collections of classical pieces, pop arrangements, show tunes and seasonal favourites written for piano. It suits someone who has taken lessons for a while and can read both hands without much trouble. Before buying, check the level printed on the cover or in the description, since the same piece can come in very easy or very hard versions. Look at the contents list to see if the songs are ones they'd actually want to play. A book that lies flat on the music stand is easier to use.
Kind 2 of 6
First piano books that build confidence
Beginner piano books use simple rhythms, a small range of notes and often bigger print, sometimes with letter names or finger numbers added. They suit kids, teens or adults in their first year or two at the keyboard. Check whether the arrangements use one hand or both hands, and whether the songs are familiar, because a known tune is easier to learn by ear and by sight. If the person takes lessons, a quick word with the parent or teacher about their level can save you picking something too easy or too hard.
Beginner piano sheet music
This collection is ideal for aspiring pianists eager to learn their first melodies and chords.
Kind 3 of 6
Easy music for any instrument
Not every learner plays piano. Easy books exist for violin, flute, ukulele, recorder, clarinet and more, often with simplified holiday tunes or duets to play with a teacher, parent or friend. These suit new players of any age who want something fun alongside their lesson books. Make sure the book matches the exact instrument, since music for B-flat clarinet or trumpet is written differently from flute or violin music. Duet books are a good choice for siblings or a grandparent and grandchild who play together.
Holiday sheet music collection
Bring festive cheer with arrangements of beloved holiday songs for various instruments or vocalists.
Instrumental duet sheet music
Encourages collaborative music-making with arrangements designed for two musicians to play together.
Kind 4 of 6
Scores, film music and fake books
A score can mean a full ensemble score for studying, a collection of film themes arranged for one instrument, or a fake book of jazz standards with melody and chord symbols. These suit players with some experience, music students, and people who like to improvise or play by chord. Check the format: a fake book assumes the player can build chords from symbols, while a film collection is usually fully written out. For film music, look at which movies are included so the book lines up with their taste.
Film score sheet music collection
Allows fans to play iconic themes and melodies from their favorite movies and television shows.
Jazz standards fake book
An essential resource for jazz musicians, providing lead sheets for hundreds of classic jazz tunes.
Kind 5 of 6
Guitar songbooks and tab collections
Guitar books usually come as tablature, standard notation, chord charts with lyrics, or a mix. Many self-taught guitarists read tab or chords but not standard notation, so check which one the book uses before buying. These suit teens, college students and adults who play for fun around the house or with friends. Songbooks built around one artist or style tend to get more use than general collections. Also confirm it's for the right instrument, since bass and ukulele books look similar on the shelf.
Guitar tablature songbook
Perfect for guitarists who want to learn popular songs without needing to read traditional notation.
Kind 6 of 6
Downloadable music for tablet readers
Digital sheet music is bought as a download and read on a tablet or printed at home. It suits players who already use a tablet on their music stand, or people who want one specific song rather than a whole book. Check whether the file can be printed, how many times it can be downloaded, and whether it works with the app they use. As a gift, it helps to include a note naming the pieces, since a download is easy to overlook in a card.
How to choose sheet music as a gift
- Confirm the exact instrument and roughly how long they've been playing before choosing a book or level.
- Read the contents list and pick a collection with songs they already know and enjoy hearing.
- Ask a parent or music teacher quietly about their current level if you are unsure.
- For guitarists, check whether they read tab, chord charts or standard notation, and match the book to that.
- Books that stay open on a music stand get played more often than bulky or tightly bound ones.
Usually safe to skip
- Advanced repertoire for a beginner usually goes unplayed because the jump in difficulty feels discouraging rather than motivating.
- Broad collections of songs they don't know or like tend to sit on the shelf, even at the right level.
- Music written for a different instrument or key, such as flute books for a clarinet player, won't work without rewriting.
Questions people ask about sheet music
- How do I know what level of sheet music to buy?
- Ask how long they've been playing and look at the level on the book, often shown as easy, intermediate or advanced. When in doubt, pick one step easier than you think. A book they can play right away gets used more than one they have to grow into.
- Is sheet music a good gift for someone who plays by ear?
- It can be, if you choose the right format. Chord charts, lyric-and-chord songbooks or fake books suit players who don't read full notation. Fully written classical scores are usually a poor fit for someone who plays mostly by ear.
- Can I give digital sheet music as a Christmas gift?
- Yes, as long as the person reads music on a tablet or doesn't mind printing at home. Check that the file can be printed and works with their app. A short card listing the songs makes the gift feel more complete.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All sheet music picks
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