[Beginner] Recommended for adult piano beginners! Beautiful & stylish piano pieces
The piano’s clear, shimmering tone that soothes our hearts.
Now that we’re adults, many people are rediscovering its appeal and thinking, “I don’t just want to listen—I want to play it myself!” More and more are starting lessons: those who found practice a chore and piano lessons a burden as children, but now, as adults, want to practice again and learn to play.
In this article, we introduce beautiful and stylish piano pieces recommended for adult beginners and for those returning after a break.
From classical to Western pop, Japanese songs, video game music, and film scores, we’ve curated a wide selection to help you find a favorite piece.
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[Beginner] Recommended for adult piano beginners! Beautiful & stylish piano pieces (1–10)
Waltz No. 15, Op. 39-15 “Waltz of Love”Johannes Brahms
Among the fifteen, the most famous piece is Waltz No.
15, Op.
39-15, “Liebeswalzer” (Love Waltz).
It’s a piece you often hear at piano recitals.
A key point of this work is that both the right and left hands feature many chords.
While it can basically be considered an easy piece, those chords make it a bit tricky to play, so its difficulty is probably upper-beginner or lower-intermediate.
In particular, the right hand in measure 37 is challenging, so I recommend practicing each hand separately.
Arabesque No. 1Claude Debussy
Two Arabesques, an early piano work by the French Impressionist composer Claude Debussy, is counted among the most famous of his compositions.
The first Arabesque in particular is widely beloved for its graceful, beautiful melody and is also a popular choice for piano recitals.
You may initially struggle with the 2-against-3 coordination where the left hand plays eighth notes against the right hand’s triplets, but by practicing in small segments and carefully aligning the points where the hands coincide, you should naturally develop the feel for it.
Try not to approach it with the preconception that it’s “difficult”—be bold and give it a try!
Moon RiverHenry Mancini
Moon River, the classic song made famous by Audrey Hepburn’s performance in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
With its romantic melody, this piece features a relaxed tempo and relatively simple structure, making it easy for beginners to enjoy its beauty while practicing.
Additionally, it has been arranged in a wide range of genres, including rock and jazz, so you’re not limited to the standard version—you can choose the arrangement you like! If you want a stylish feel, try a jazz-inspired arrangement; if you prefer an energetic performance, go for a rock style.
Play in the way you like and have fun.
[Beginner] Recommended for adult piano beginners! Beautiful & stylish piano pieces (11–20)
Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller
This is a religious piece conceived with the image of a choir’s voices resounding through a cathedral church.
It possesses a solemn, devout atmosphere, and its rich harmonies leave a striking impression.
Published in Paris in 1851, the work is characterized by a beautiful melody imbued with the spirit of prayer.
By skillfully interweaving four-part harmony with three-part passages, it evokes a sonorous texture reminiscent of a cathedral’s reverberation.
The harmonic shifts are richly colored, illuminating the piece like the light through stained glass.
It is recommended for those who seek healing through music or who are interested in sacred music.
It also serves as an excellent study material for those wishing to learn pedal technique.
Combining an elegant ambience with profound spirituality, this work is sure to resonate in the hearts of listeners.
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
On March 28, 2023, the world sadly lost Ryuichi Sakamoto—known as “Professor”—one of Japan’s most celebrated musicians.
In addition to his work with Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sakamoto, with his deep command of diverse genres and his genius for composition and arrangement, produced many masterpieces not only in J-pop but also in the history of film music.
Among the pieces he released under his own name, the most famous is surely the theme from Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence.
From the solemn introduction—where the right hand begins with a high-register phrase while the left-hand chords gradually descend—the music unfolds into the main melody that almost everyone has heard at least once, a progression so beautiful it can bring you to tears.
Although the piece does not demand advanced technique, it is crucial to grasp the atmosphere and world of the music and make it your own in performance.
The main motif mentioned above reappears multiple times with slight variations, so it’s best to play with care each time to avoid monotony.
My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion
Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” is melodious, grand, and beautiful in its worldbuilding.
Included on an album released in 1997, the song was chosen as the theme for the film Titanic, which became a worldwide hit.
To reflect the great love depicted in the movie, try playing it with a sense of longing and beauty.
The tempo is slow and the piece isn’t particularly difficult, so focus on performing it with deep emotion.
Keep the verses gentle, then make the chorus expansive and full of yearning, giving the performance strong dynamic contrast.
New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone
This is a renowned piece that originated from an Italian film released in 1988.
Deeply intertwined with the film’s story, the song is used effectively in emotional scenes such as the protagonist’s first love, parting, and reunion.
Characterized by its beautiful melody and profound lyrics, it resonates with many listeners.
Scored primarily for strings and piano, its relaxed tempo is striking, and it shines as a piece to practice on the piano.
Transcending the realm of film music, it has been covered by various artists and is recommended for fans of classical and easy listening alike.
It’s a piece I especially encourage those who want to experience the moving fusion of film and music to play.