[Beginner] Start Here: Classic Practice Pieces Recommended for Adult Piano Beginners
For beginner pianists, choosing practice pieces can be a real source of anxiety.
This is especially true if you’re starting to learn on your own as an adult—you may often wonder what pieces to choose to keep practice enjoyable and progressing smoothly.
When learning piano independently, there are two main approaches: focusing intensively on a limited selection of pieces, or practicing a balanced set of pieces that include a variety of technical elements while learning the basics of piano technique and music reading from the ground up.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended practice pieces for those who prefer the latter approach and also want to build a solid foundation.
We’ve selected a wide range of pieces, from classical to popular, so feel free to start with whichever ones spark your interest.
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[Beginner] Start with these! Classic practice pieces recommended for adult piano beginners (91–100)
Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545, No. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This piece, notable for its graceful triple-meter melody, was composed in June 1788 and is intended for beginner-level learners.
The second movement in G major features a beautifully expressive, aria-like character and a simple, straightforward left-hand accompaniment.
While technically approachable, it demands a singing melodic line and delicate expressiveness.
Its calm tempo allows for unhurried playing, making it an excellent choice for those wishing to refine their expressivity or experience the charm of classical music.
The emotional contours created by the shifts in key are also captivating, offering ample joy in performance.
MemoryWolfgang Amadeus Mozart
This is a piano miniature in G major, notable for its gentle atmosphere and flowing melody.
Employing an accompaniment pattern known as the Alberti bass, the beautiful melody conveys the refined aesthetic of the Classical era despite its simplicity, soothing the listener’s heart.
The fluid accompaniment based on broken chords is a hallmark found in many of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s piano works, and its charm is fully showcased here as well.
While the piece is structured to be approachable for performers, it also offers ample opportunities for expressive playing.
It is an ideal choice for those who have mastered basic piano techniques or for listeners wishing to become more familiar with classical music.
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.
Buzz buzz buzzBohemia min’yo
“Buzz, Buzz, Buzz,” a Bohemian folk song, is a familiar practice and recital piece for beginning pianists, especially children who have just started piano.
Regardless of prior musical experience, there are probably very few people who don’t know this melody.
Because it’s simple and stays within a single octave, it’s easy even for beginners to play.
Even if you don’t yet have the notes fully down, you can comfortably master it by practicing while following the sounds by ear or by playing it repeatedly while singing along.
If you’re performing it at a recital, playing it as a duet with accompaniment will give it a more impressive finish!
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
As one of the iconic songs of the Heisei era, Yosui Inoue’s “Shonen Jidai” is still loved by a wide range of generations.
With its simple yet beautiful melody line and chord progression, it’s very approachable and thus an excellent piece for piano practice.
While it’s important to focus on technical aspects such as finger movement, what you should emphasize in this piece is, above all, emotion.
Clearly picture in your mind the scenes evoked by the lyrics, and, taking cues from Inoue’s vocal dynamics, aim to express the music with rich nuance.
Danny BoyAirurando min’yō
“Danny Boy,” a masterpiece set to the melody of the Irish folk tune known as “Londonderry Air,” features poignant lyrics said to depict a mother’s feelings as she sends her son off to war.
Today, it is not only sung with lyrics but also performed on a variety of instruments and loved around the world.
Because the piece is very slow and gentle, even beginners at the piano can calmly follow the notes as they play.
Once you feel more comfortable with your hands, try adding the pedal so the melody and accompaniment connect smoothly without breaking.
GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō
Even if you don’t recognize the title “Greensleeves,” most people will go, “Oh, that tune!” the moment they hear the melody.
Known as a traditional English folk song, this piece is a beloved classic around the world.
There are many piano solo arrangements available, and if you choose one with simple accompaniment, even beginners can enjoy giving it a try.
Add crescendos and decrescendos to shape the dynamics and aim for an expressive performance.
