What Type of Binding Should a Piano Book Have? Tips for Creating Piano-Friendly Book Binding Cover
Dechant Music Academy 'PLAY LIKE A PRO'—Piano Beginner Level 1 is a book created after many years of studying piano teaching. Irina Dechant, the author, put a lot of love and care into this book. It took her two years to complete everything, from planning ideas and writing music to creating a teaching program, registering copyrights, and finishing the final steps. She will share more about her work in the future. For now, here is a short story about one important part of the book: its binding, which makes more than 50% of the playing experience good or bad for pianists. After much effort, 'PLAY LIKE A PRO'—Piano Beginner Level 1 is finished and has received many good reviews. Let’s explore Irina’s journey with Dechant Music Academy!
The Beginning
Irina Dechant grew up in a family that loved music and piano. She started learning piano as a child and felt very happy every time she played. After many years of learning and performing, she realized her dream was not just to play piano but also to teach others. She wanted to share the beauty of piano music with new learners. That is how she began working on piano education, which later led to this book.
The Challenges
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, Irina faced new challenges. She needed to find a way to pursue her dream while managing during the lockdown. This was when Dechant Music Academy was founded. To run her academy, she needed a proper teaching book, so she began writing PLAY LIKE A PRO-Piano Beginner Level 1.Today, we will discuss one key part of the book: the binding.A book is loved not only for its content but also for ensuring the best user experience. For a pianist, the greatest satisfaction comes from the comfort of playing music without being affected by the book's binding.
Types of Binding for Piano Books
Most piano books (about 80%) use this type of binding. It’s the kind commonly found in bookstores. However, it’s not practical for pianists because it doesn’t stay open easily, making it difficult to use during practice. Many pianists end up using paper clips to hold the book open or even copying pages to make them easier to handle.

A common sight among pianists is using paper clips to keep the book open.

Printing sheet music for concerts can cause problems, especially with pop songs or music still under copyright. Copying without permission is not allowed and can create trouble for musicians and events.
- Metal spirals: Durable but can scratch the piano surface.
- Plastic spirals: Softer and safer for the piano but less durable.

Although spiral binding provides convenience, it has its drawbacks, such as the risk of wear and tear over time.
Sewn binding is another good option for piano books. It allows the book to open smoothly and stay flat on the piano stand, providing a comfortable experience for pianists.


What are the types of bindings for piano books?
Irina wanted to combine two types of cover binding: spiral binding and perfect bound. This innovative idea aimed to solve common problems pianists face with book usability, but most printing companies refused to create such a design. The challenges were due to the lack of proper tools for this combination and the higher production cost. This delay impacted the project timeline, but Irina was determined to find a solution.
A Global Search for a Solution
Believing in the saying, "Where there’s a will, there’s a way," Irina expanded her search beyond her country, exploring global options. After conducting multiple tests and extensive research, she discovered a printing company in Poland capable of producing the cover as she envisioned.

- A combined binding of spiral and perfect bound for better usability.
- A durable design that didn’t scratch pianos and remained long-lasting even with frequent use.
- High-quality printing on sturdy paper for a premium feel.
- An affordable price for buyers, even lower than the market price for a full music theory book.
Mission Completed
Despite the obstacles, the book finally came to life. Irina’s unwavering belief in herself and her commitment to the project made this accomplishment possible. Her hard work paid off, and Dechant Music Academy’s first book for beginners—suitable for all ages—was published and is now available for purchase.


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Dechant Music Academy (DMA)
Head Office Hong Kong
3f Wing On Building, 232 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
Registered Court: Inland Revenue Department Wan Chai, Hong Kong
VAT-ID: 55468457
Email: info@dechantmusicacademy.com
German Warehouse Address
Grosse Str. 42, 49424 Goldenstedt-Lutten
Registered Court: Finanzamt Neukoelln, Thiemannstr. 1 , 12059 Berlin, Germany
USt-Id-Nr: DE356323103
Phone: +49 (0) 162 977 1308
Email: info@dechantmusicacademy.com
Managing Director
Irina Dechant - CEO & Founder DMA
IMPRESSUM
Vorsitzenderin: Irina Dechant
Hauptsitz Hong Kong
3f Wing On Building, 232 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
Registriert bei: Inland Revenue Department Wan Chai, Hong Kong
VAT-ID: 55468457
Email: info@dechantmusicacademy.com
Deutsche Warenhausadresse
Grosse Str. 42, 49424 Goldenstedt-Lutten
Registriert bei: Finanzamt Neukoelln, Thiemannstr. 1 , 12059 Berlin
USt-Id-Nr: DE356323103
Mobile: +49 (0) 162 977 130886
Email: info@dechantmusicacademy.com