[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.

Playlist

[Beginner] Start Here: Classic Practice Pieces Recommended for Adult Piano Beginners
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi		Ryuichi Sakamoto’s signature piece: enchanting music for snowy landscapes
2	SummerHisaishi Joe		Joe Hisaishi's 'Kikujiro's Summer' piano sheet music: Playing memories
3	Czerny 100 Progressive Studies Op. 849 No. 1Carl Czerny		Czerny’s etudes are ideal for improving technique.
4	Sonatina No. 7, Op. 36-1, First MovementMuzio Clementi		Enjoying Clementi’s Sonatinas
5	Carrying YouInoue Azumi		Make piano practice fun with Ghibli classics
6	Dragon Quest ‘Overture’sugiyama kouichi		The pinnacle of game music, a grand melody
7	CanonJohann Pachelbel		Pachelbel’s Canon, suitable for beginners to practice
8	Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces Op. 100 No. 1: InnocenceJohann Burgmüller		Let's enjoy Burgmüller's études
9	Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight,” I. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven		Moonlight Sonata, delicate melodies and tranquil beauty
10	Minuet in G major, BWV Anh. 114Christian Petzold		The truth behind classic pieces for beginner pianists
11	Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772J.S.Bach		Bach’s Inventions are study pieces.
12	New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone		Born from an Italian film released in 1988…
13	MistyErroll Garner		The masterpiece “Misty” born from an airplane window
14	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		A masterpiece imbued with thoughts of peace and love
15	25 Etudes, Op. 100: No. 2 “Arabesque”Johann Burgmüller		Tips for Practicing Burgmüller’s “Arabesque”
16	The Splendor of YouthRichard Carpenter		A classic by the Carpenters that resonates with the heart.
17	Für EliseLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s masterpieces, richly expressive
18	Moon RiverHenry Mancini		Masterpieces of movie theme songs, beautiful melodies that resonate in the heart
19	Hanon Piano Method No. 1Charles-Louis Hanon		Practice Hanon effectively without getting bored
20	Passacaglia Harpsichord Suite No. 7 (HWV 432)Georg Friedrich Händel		A masterpiece that distills the charm of Baroque music
21	Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari		A moving masterpiece that likens life to the flow of a river
22	Love is a flower, and you are its seed.Amanda McBroom		The beautiful singing voice in the film “Only Yesterday”
23	Nocturne No. 2, Op. 9-2Frederic Chopin		Chopin's masterpieces and the famous melodies of movie theme songs
24	Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s Famous Pieces Popular with Beginner Pianists
25	Mysterious Adventureiketakeshi		Enjoyably performing Dragon Ball anime songs
26	againHisaishi Joe		Iconic songs from Spirited Away, moving music
27	Hanyu no YadoInguranndo min’yō		The poignant insert song from Grave of the Fireflies
28	DepartureHisaishi Joe		A famous song from Kiki’s Delivery Service that expresses hope and a new journey
29	When the Saints Go Marching Inkokujin reika		A famous song known as a sports cheer anthem
30	A Whole New WorldAlan Menken		The famous song from the Disney movie Aladdin
31	Polka from Album for ChildrenLouis Heinrich Köhler		Make the recital fun with a lively polka tune
32	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: GigueJ.S.Bach		A light 3/8-time dance by Bach
33	CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LAKiyooka Chiho		Play Dragon Ball’s iconic songs joyfully on the piano
34	Beyer Piano Method No. 81Ferdinand Beyer		The Bayer method book is still an active, classic teaching material.
35	Bridge of Gloryyuzu		An inspiring ballad, a timeless classic of dreams and hope
36	Wish Upon a StarLeigh Harline		The famous song from Disney’s film Pinocchio
37	Serenade No. 13 in G Major “Eine kleine Nachtmusik,” II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s graceful and moving masterpiece
38	Ojamajo Carnivalike takeshi		Let's play the theme song of Ojamajo Doremi
39	Harpsichord Pieces and Fingering, No. 1 (Suite No. 2), TambourinRameau		Masterpieces of the Baroque Era: A Collection of Harpsichord Classics
40	Minuet in F major, K. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		The Young Mozart’s Captivating Masterpiece
41	French Suite No. 1, BWV 812: Minuet IIJ.S.Bach		Bach’s elegant dances, performed at home
42	Fine On The OutsidePriscilla Ahn		Background of the film’s theme song and its moving musical expression
43	First workday of the yearHisaishi Joe		The fresh, hopeful music of Kiki’s Delivery Service
44	Someone at any timekōryū		Nostalgic and warm music that conveys peaceful hope
45	Arrietty’s SongCecile Corbel		Cécile Corbel: The Allure of Film Music
46	Round Dance of the Sunflower HouseHisaishi Joe		The gentle music of ‘Ponyo’ portrays the brilliance of life.
47	Village in MayHisaishi Joe		The melody of My Neighbor Totoro is refreshing.
48	Main themehoshikatsu		A piano piece that weaves nostalgic memories
49	Brave SoldierCornelius Gurlitt		A powerful march that stirs a boy’s heart
50	Minuet in F major, K. 5, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A work by six-year-old Mozart for his sister
51	Minuet for TrumpetWilliam Duncombe		An elegant piece perfect for piano beginners
52	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813 – CouranteJ.S.Bach		Elegant dance works of Baroque music
53	“Butterflies” Op. 2 No. 1 “Masquerade”Robert Schumann		Schumann’s waltz: light and lively, with a touch of brilliance.
54	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 5 — EusebiusRobert Schumann		Schumann's works, a world of quiet dreams
55	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 12 – ChopinRobert Schumann		Schumann’s masterpiece filled with love for Chopin
56	The River of That DayHisaishi Joe		Spirited Away, a melody that lingers in the heart
57	On a sunny dayHisaishi Joe		A heart-lifting waltz from Kiki's Delivery Service
58	Piano Sonata No. 25, Op. 79, Movement IIILudwig van Beethoven		A graceful romantic masterpiece in 9/8 time
59	Allegro in C major, K. 1b, from the Nannerl NotebookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A short and lively piece composed by Mozart
60	Allegro in F major, K. 1c, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Composed by Mozart at age five; a bright and approachable piece.
61	Minuet in G major, K. 1 (K6 1e), from the Nannerl NotebookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Beautiful Minuet by 5-Year-Old Mozart
62	Minuet in C major, K. 1 (K⁶ 1f), from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		A refined minuet masterpiece for a five-year-old
63	Aura LeeGeorge Rodway Poulton		A traditional American folk song originally by Elvis
64	TraumereiRobert Schumann		A beautiful reverie woven in F major and 4/4 time…
65	“Dance of the Natives” from Children’s Piano PiecesNakata Yoshinao		A short piece with powerful rhythms and captivating traditional scales
66	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813 – Minuet IIJ.S.Bach		Bach’s Minuet: elegant and profound music
67	French Suite No. 5, BWV 816: SarabandeJ.S.Bach		Classical music, the sarabande of the Baroque era is captivating.
68	French Suite No. 6, BWV 817: SarabandeJ.S.Bach		A dance imbued with Bach’s profound spirituality
69	Polonaise in G minor (BWV Anh. 119)J.S.Bach		Loving music for Bach’s wife
70	Musette in D majorJ.S.Bach		An approachable piece born from Bach’s music notebook
71	Pirates of the Caribbean: “He’s a Pirate”Hans Zimmer		Adventurous piano piece from a Disney movie
72	Burgmüller 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller		A passionate piece inspired by Southern Italian dances.
73	French Suite No. 2, BWV 813: Menuet IJ.S.Bach		Bach’s elegant triple-meter dance
74	Songs Without Words, Book I, Op. 19, No. 4: A Secret ConversationFelix Mendelssohn		A calm and graceful miniature, rich in emotion
75	“Butterflies,” Op. 2: No. 10, “Unmasking the Mask”Robert Schumann		Schumann’s piano suite, a masterpiece brimming with lyric poetry
76	Carnaval, Op. 9 No. 2: PierrotRobert Schumann		Schumann’s Pierrot pieces depict delicate emotions.
77	Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11 No. 1 “II. Theme and Variations” Op. 118a-2Robert Schumann		The charm of variations filled with love for children
78	Three Sonatas for Children, Op. 11, No. 2: “3. Evening Song” Op. 118b-3Robert Schumann		Schumann’s heartwarming piano piece
79	Scenes from Childhood, Op. 15, No. 5: An Important EventRobert Schumann		A charming miniature that depicts a child's worldview
80	Alliance de David, Dance Collection No. 18, Non presto, C major — not fastRobert Schumann		A serene, small piece by Schumann brimming with poetic sentiment
81	Morning Songs No. 1: In a calm tempoRobert Schumann		A Schumann piano piece expressing the quiet of morning.
82	Sonatina No. 12, Movement IMuzio Clementi		A bright Classical-era piano piece like spring
83	A Doll’s Dream and AwakeningTheodor Oesten		The graceful doll dance of the Romantic era
84	Minuet in F major, K. 4, from Nannerl’s Music BookWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		The elegant minuet from Mozart’s childhood
85	Six Écossaises No. 1Ludwig van Beethoven		A lively Scottish-style dance, a 2.5-minute charmer
86	Six Ecossaises No. 3Ludwig van Beethoven		A lively Scottish-style social dance tune
87	Six Écossaises No. 5Ludwig van Beethoven		An elegant dance in E-flat major, with a light, lively rhythm
88	7 Ländler WoO 11 No. 4Ludwig van Beethoven		The cheerful music of Austrian folk dance
89	7 Ländler WoO 11 No. 7Ludwig van Beethoven		An elegant 3/4 time, a masterpiece by Beethoven
90	11 New Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 119: No. 1 in G minorLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s piano miniature, profound musicality
91	11 New Bagatelles for Piano, Op. 119 No. 8 in C majorLudwig van Beethoven		Rich music, a pleasant resonance, and moving emotion
92	Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545, No. 2Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Beautiful masterpieces of classical music
93	MemoryWolfgang Amadeus Mozart		An elegant piano piece in G major
94	Burgmüller 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, No. 19 “Ave Maria”Johann Burgmüller		I was enraptured by the choir’s hymn resonating through the cathedral church…
95	Buzz buzz buzzBohemia min’yo		A popular folk song among beginner piano players: “Bun Bun Bun.”
96	BoyhoodInoue Yosui		Yosui Inoue’s “Shonen Jidai,” an emotive masterpiece
97	Danny BoyAirurando min’yō		A mother's song for her son on the battlefield, a beloved classic around the world.
98	GreensleevesInguranndo min’yō		A famous traditional folk song of England
99	Amazing Gracesanbika		The appeal of the moving classic 'Amazing Grace'
100	Eight Pieces, Op. 84: No. 3, FugueGabriel Fauré		Elegant musical expression of French music
101	Sonatina No. 1, Movement I, Op. 20-1Friedrich Kuhlau		A clear and approachable piece in C major
102	Third movement from Sonatina, Op. 36 No. 1Muzio Clementi		Lively three movements, virtuosic and captivating
103	Sonatina in F major, First MovementAnton Diabelli		A masterpiece with an elegant, radiant melody
104	12 Variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman,” K. 265 (“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” Variations)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s difficult variations
105	Invention No. 8, BWV 779J.S.Bach		A lively, upbeat piece perfect for improving your technique.
106	Sonatine No. 8, Movement IMuzio Clementi		The charm of piano pieces: brilliant and powerful
107	Sonatina No. 9, First MovementMuzio Clementi		Clementi’s lively composition, brimming with vibrant tones.
108	Sonatina No. 10, First MovementMuzio Clementi		A masterpiece that conveys the expressiveness and allure of piano music
109	Is this what love feels like?Al Hoffman／Mack David		Magical songs from Disney movies
110	Beauty and the BeastAlan Menken		The Beauty and the Beast waltz, a classic song that conveys love
111	AllegrettoAnton Diabelli		Performance tips for Diabelli’s masterpiece “Allegretto”
112	Burgmüller 25 Études Op. 100 No. 11 “The Wagtail”Johann Burgmüller		A light, bird-like piece in 2/4 time
113	Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao		An enchanting piano solo piece with a Japanese-style rhythm
114	Czerny 100 Progressive Studies, Op. 139 No. 1Carl Czerny		Czerny: An Étude Composer Who Was a Pupil of Beethoven
115	The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 1 in C major, BWV 846, PreludeJ.S.Bach		Bach’s masterpiece, The Well-Tempered Clavier No. 1
116	Piano Sonata No. 11 in A major, K. 331, 3rd movement “Turkish March”Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart		Mozart’s famous “Turkish March”
117	Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach		Soothing masterpiece: a great work by Bach
118	Piano Sonata No. 16, K. 545Wolfgang Mozart		Commentary on Masterpieces of Mozart’s Piano Sonatas
119	“The Four Seasons” No. 1 “Spring”Antonio Vivaldi		The charm of Spring from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons
120	Ave MariaCharles Gounod		Ave Maria is performed in various forms.
121	EcosseLudwig van Beethoven		Beethoven’s piano pieces for beginners
122	Album for the Young, Op. 68: No. 1 “Melody”Robert Schumann		Schumann’s piano piece for children, “Melody”